Challenges in the management of hypertension in Asia

Hypertension is common in Asian populations and is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Even a small reduction in blood pressure can lead to a substantial decrease in the risk of stroke. The prevalence of hypertension appears to be increasing in many countries, partly because of ageing of the population, but also because of increasing obesity. While much effort has gone into promoting the awareness of hypertension, the rates of detection, treatment, and control remain low. As hypertension is very prevalent in the general population, it makes sense to adopt population approaches towards the detection and treatment of hypertension, and its prevention. As obesity is a major cause of hypertension in Asia, tackling it will help to lower the incidence of hypertension in the future. Lowering sodium contents in foods and promotion of regular physical activity will also help to lower blood pressure at the population level. Asians appear to respond well to calcium channel blockers but have a higher incidence of dry cough with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.The costs of long-term follow-up and treatment impose a certain economic burden, whether on the individual or on the health provider.