What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Observational. Population: Hypertension (n=1720786). Primary outcome: Prevalence of hypertension.

What does this research mean for the field?

In Saudi Arabia, the burden of hypertension predominantly affects males aged 50-59 and is strongly associated with obesity and overweight status. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to provide a national-level overview of hypertension prevalence and related factors in Saudi Arabia.

March 30, 2026Open Access

Descriptive analysis of hypertension in Saudi Arabia: a national population health perspective (hypertension in Saudi Arabia)

Key Result

A national descriptive analysis identified 1,720,786 hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia, representing an overall prevalence of 6.50%, with the highest burden among males aged 50-59 years.

Key Points

This research aims to provide a national-level overview of hypertension prevalence and related factors in Saudi Arabia.
Retrospective observational study using data from the Population Health Observatory (PHO)
Included 1.7 million diagnosed individuals across Saudi Arabia
Conducted descriptive analyses of hypertension demographics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization.
1,720,786 hypertensive patients identified in Saudi Arabia.
58.2% of these patients are male, predominantly aged 50–59 years.
29.4% were classified as obese and 21.8% as overweight.
88.9% of patients visited outpatient clinics, indicating high healthcare utilization.

Study Design

Type

Observational (n=1,720,786)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Population

Adults (aged 18 years and above) diagnosed with hypertension in Saudi Arabia

Outcome

National prevalence, demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization of hypertension

Hypertension affects over 1.7 million adults in Saudi Arabia, predominantly impacting males and those aged 50-59, and is strongly associated with high rates of obesity and overweight.

Limitations

Descriptive design and reliance on administrative data
May underrepresent military and private-sector patients
Integration and completeness of historical records may vary across data sources and regions
Variables may be incomplete or subject to documentation errors
Not real-time data

Abstract

Background Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most significant public health challenges in Saudi Arabia, driven by ageing, lifestyle changes and rising metabolic risk factors. Although the prevalence of HTN is increasing in Saudi Arabia, there have been limited studies and updates of national-level numbers. Objective This study provides a national-level descriptive overview of high blood pressure in Saudi Arabia using data from the Population Health Observatory (PHO). These data include prevalence, demographics and characteristics, comorbidities and risk and healthcare utilisation. Methods A retrospective observational study using data from the PHO from 2015 to 2025 was conducted, including all 1.7 million diagnosed individuals across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive analyses were performed for the variables. Results The analysis revealed 1,720,786 hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia. The highest burden falls on males, accounting for 58.2% of hypertensive patients. Of those males, the majority were aged 50–59 years. Most patients were obese or overweight (29.4% and 21.8%, respectively). The majority of the patients had a rising risk profile, and most of them visited outpatient clinics (88.9%). Conclusion HTN remains a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia. The data from the PHO highlighted clear results and patterns that can guide interventions and policymakers in strengthening prevention and improving health promotion and control.

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