Expanded hypertension care may avert over 518,000 cardiovascular deaths each year

Preliminary findings presented at an American Heart Association meeting indicate that better high blood pressure management could prevent more than 518,000 cardiovascular deaths annually across 20 countries. The analysis compared broader use of preventive services for noncommunicable diseases, with hypertension treatment producing the largest estimated benefit, followed by statins and blood sugar control. High blood pressure is described as a common and modifiable risk factor that can damage blood vessels and contribute to heart disease.

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The preliminary modeling covered 20 upper- and lower-middle-income countries. It estimated deaths avoided if preventive care reached about 80% of eligible people, similar to high-performing U.S. systems. Blood pressure treatment produced the largest projected benefit: 518,476 fewer cardiovascular deaths yearly. Statins followed at 340,682, glucose control at 309,520, and colon cancer screening at 206,767 colon cancer