The World Health Organisation has projected a rise in the burden of hypertension globally, saying the number of individuals affected by the condition may surpass 1.5 billion by 2030.

The organisation disclosed this in its 2025 Global Report on Hypertension 2025, indicating that millions of people die from heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure as a result of uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension.

“Over the coming decades, the global burden of hypertension is projected to rise, with the number of affected individuals potentially surpassing 1.5 billion by 2030,” the report said.

The organisation, which said an estimated 1.4 billion adults aged 30–79 years globally had hypertension in 2024, stated that the potential increase “is driven by demographic changes, such as population growth and ageing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the largest increases are anticipated.”

It explained that the health impact of the increase would be severe in countries with a poor-quality diet, high in sodium and low in potassium, as well as tobacco use, overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and high levels of household and/or ambient air pollution.

“In addition, settings with ageing populations and limited access to health care or unaffordable services are expected to see increased societal and economic costs, including health care expenditures, lost productivity, and premature mortality. These factors will add further pressure on existing health systems and communities,” the report stated.

WHO also decried sobering hypertension control in several settings despite decades of efforts, saying progress in addressing the condition has been slow and even stagnant in some countries.

Noting that “over 1 billion people face avoidable risk of heart attack, stroke and death from uncontrolled high blood pressure every second of every day,” the organisation described uncontrolled hypertension as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline.

“The global picture of hypertension control remains sobering. Progress has been slow and, in many settings, stagnant. Despite decades of effort, only four countries have reached the target of controlling blood pressure in 50% of affected individuals.

“This high global prevalence underscores the urgent need for countries to implement measures for its prevention and control; and the large number of people with uncontrolled hypertension exposes persistent gaps in effective management,” it stated.

The report came amid rising cases of hypertension in Nigeria, with many undiagnosed and untreated, leaving people vulnerable to heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death.

According to the Nigerian Hypertension Society, about one in every three adults in Nigeria has hypertension, noting that most of the people with hypertension are oblivious of the condition, while the majority of those who are even aware of having it are not on treatment or properly treated.

A medical practitioner, Samai’la Musa Gindaus, identified late presentation, limited access to early diagnosis, low-health illiteracy, and fragmented care as challenges associated with managing hypertension in the country, stressing the urgent need for improved healthcare delivery to address the situation.