Hypertension in Oman: Where Do We Stand?

ypertension (HTN), also known as high blood pressure (BP), is a global public health concern. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality contributing to coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and kidney failure as well as premature death and disability. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) approximated that 40% of adults, aged ≥ 25 years, had been diagnosed with HTN with the prevalence highest in Africa (46%) and lowest in the USA (35%). In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, the prevalence of HTN was estimated at 42%. There has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of HTN in Oman in the last few decades. Recent data from the Oman World Health Survey estimated the prevalence of HTN in Oman at 41.5% compared to 27% reported by the National Blood Pressure Survey, which was conducted in 1991. This increased prevalence is in parallel with increases in obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases as a sequel for aging and changes in diet and lifestyle.