Blood pressure control: Where do we stand? Latest data from Italy Tocci G et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30:

Hypertension still the biggest issue 1.56 billion hypertensive patients in the world in million new cases of hypertension per year 1 High blood pressure is the first cause of death and burden around the world 2 1.Kearney et al. Lancet. 2005; 365: Ezzati et al. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:

A developed country case: Italy Analysis of the largest, representative and updated sample of hypertensive patients in Italy From the most recent observational studies available over the last 5 years ( ) – hypertensive patients – Mean age 56.6 years, 60% women, BMI 27.2 – Mostly in general practice Tocci G et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30:

Only 57% of the hypertensive population is treated Tocci G et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30:

37% of the treated hypertensive population have controlled blood pressure Tocci G et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30:

Evolution of hypertension management between 1999 and 2011 In 1999In % treated and controlled patients 37% treated and controlled patients GPs154.1/90.9 mm Hg143.5/84.8 mm Hg Specialists147.2/89.6 mm Hg146.5/88.5 mm Hg SBP/DBP Tocci G. et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30:

More than 70% of the hypertensive population have grade 1 hypertension Tocci G et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30: Blood pressure stratification among the studied population (treated or untreated)

The French example: the majority of untreated patients have grade 1 hypertension Lang T et al. Hypertension. 2001;38: Blood pressure stratification in untreated hypertensive people in a working population, in France.

Conclusion Despite hypertension management improvement since 1999, 1 hypertension is the 1 st risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 2 1 out 3 deaths is due to cardiovascular disease (2007). 3 The Italian case shows an inadequate control of blood pressure in a developed country. 1 Only 37% of treated patients are controlled. 1 International guidelines advise controlling blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. 4 Most uncontrolled treated patients have grade 1 hypertension. 5 Each increase of 20/10 mm Hg (SBP/DBP) doubles the risk of cardiovascular death Tocci G et al. J Hypertens. 2012;30: Hobbs, Richard FD. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2007;3: Roger VL et al. Circulation. 2011;123:e18-e Mancia G et al. Eur Heart J. 2013;34: Lang T et al. Hypertension. 2001;38: Lewington S et al; Prospective Studies Collaboration. Lancet. 2002;360: