High blood pressure increase in developing world

New research has shown that more than 80 per cent of high blood pressure disease occurs in the developing world.

A study by the University of Auckland in New Zealand estimated that 7.6 million died from high blood pressure-related problems in 2001, the latest year for which global data was available.

High blood pressure was found to be responsible for 54 per cent of strokes and 47 per cent of heart disease worldwide.

The authors of the study, Dr Carlene Lawes and Professor Anthony Rodgers, wrote in the medical journal the Lancet: "Most of the disease burden caused by high blood pressure is borne by low-income and middle-income countries, by people in middle age, and by people with lesser degrees of high blood pressure."

High blood pressure can severely increase the chances of developing heart, disease, strokes or other serious conditions. Treatment can include changes in lifestyle associated with diet, exercise and cutting down or drinking or smoking.