Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, contributes to the burden of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure and premature mortality and disability. Hypertension rarely causes symptoms in the early stages and many people go undiagnosed. Those who are diagnosed may not have access to treatment and may not be able to successfully control their illness over the long term.

In China, about 270 million people have hypertension; only 13.8% of the patients have their condition under control and not everyone who has hypertension can access treatment.  It is important that primary care services in hard-to-reach areas are empowered to diagnose and treat hypertension to prevent life-threatening conditions.

There are significant health and economic gains attached to early detection, adequate treatment and good control of hypertension. All adults should have their blood pressure regularly checked for hypertension so timely treatment can be administered. Addressing behavioural risk factors, such as unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and tobacco use, can prevent hypertension. If no action is taken to reduce exposure to these factors, cardiovascular disease incidence, including hypertension, will increase.