The curious case of high blood pressure around the world

By THE DATA TEAM

ONE in eight deaths worldwide is due to high blood pressure. The condition is the main risk factor for heart and kidney disease, and it greatly increases the chances of a stroke. A new study published in the Lancet, a medical journal, shows how common it is—and challenges some received wisdoms.

Globally, about a fifth of women and a quarter of men have high blood pressure. It is commonly thought of as a disease of affluence. But the data say otherwise. Central and eastern Europe have the highest rates for men, while the highest rates for women are in sub-Saharan Africa. Prevalence is lowest in rich Western and Asian countries, including South Korea, America and Canada. In only 36 countries high blood pressure is more common in women than in men. Nearly all of them are in Africa.