[Management of arterial hypertension in Tunisia: the challenge of a developing country]

Tunisia is a north-African country where epidemiological and socio-economical transition lead cardio-metabolic diseases at the forefront of health concerns. Cardiovascular disease becomes the leading cause of death. Epidemiological studies noted that 30,6% of adults are hypertensive. Only 38,8% from those diagnosed with hypertension were aware about their disease. From those, 84% take antihypertensive treatment. Tunisian health authorities developed in 1993 a national program for diabetes and hypertension care. Hypertension benefits from a full support by the social security fund for policyholders and the state for the poor. Thus, hypertension followed by public health centers is controlled in 42.9% of cases.