Hypertension in Latin America: importance and approaches to control

Although data on prevalence of hypertension are very scarce available information show that hypertension is as frequent in Latin America as in Europe and USA. Morbidity and mortality data place hypertension as the leading cause of death and disability in virtually all countries in Latin America. New demographic changes point to an increase in the number of older age groups in Latin America. This will further increase the importance of hypertension as a public health problem. Urgent actions aiming to increase detection and treatment of hypertension are needed. Emphasis on risk factors may be particularly effective due to economic restrains.