Hypertension: A global perspective

In summary, there is ample evidence to suggest that the burden of hypertension is already having a profound effect on the health of populations in low- to middle-income countries.12 The phenomenon of epidemiological transition has certainly contributed to the rise of CVD and will, no doubt, cause a sustained epidemic of noncommunicable forms of CVD for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, in resource-poor countries, there is often limited scope to respond to this growing problem. It is encouraging to see that the World Health Organization has developed an action plan that advocates key strategies for limiting the impact on noncommunicable diseases.