Hypertension in Africa: an overview of prevalence rates and causal risk factors.

The goal of this paper has been to summarize the existing data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Africa and to provide the basis for designating important known risk factors. We hope that this document will serve as the basis for a comprehensive evaluation of the disease burden from hypertension on the continent and the potential for prevention to reduce the health risk from this condition. Given the difficulty in maintaining long-term drug therapy in the African setting, and the increasing scientific basis for primary prevention, the time has clearly come to organize community campaigns to control the causal risk factors for hypertension.