title: Why is control of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa poor?
abstract: In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in 2010, hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 115 mmHg) was the leading cause of death, increasing 67% since 1990. It was also the sixth leading cause of disability, contributing more than 11 million adjusted life years. In SSA, stroke was the main outcome of uncontrolled hypertension. Poverty is the major underlying factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This article analyses the causes of poor compliance in the treatment of hypertension in SSA and provides suggestions on the treatment of hypertension in a poverty-stricken continent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: Y K
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Seedat
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011203:Poverty; D011320:Primary Health Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents