Overview

• WHO’s second Global Hypertension Report, released during the UN General Assembly, estimates around 1.4 billion people have high blood pressure and only about one in five has it under control.
• Without stronger action, WHO projects global cases will surpass 1.5 billion by 2030, with many countries reporting control rates below 20 percent.
• PAHO reports the HEARTS initiative now treats more than 6 million people across the Americas, with roughly 60 percent achieving blood‑pressure control in participating programs.
• Country data underscore the toll: Mexico’s heart‑disease deaths rose nearly 80 percent from 2014 to 2024, and Peru logs over 100 heart attacks daily with about 30 percent dying before reaching care.
• Experts warn hypertension is increasing among younger adults, urging salt and tobacco reduction, earlier screening, wider access to validated devices and affordable medicines, and standardized treatment in primary care.