19th June 2026

Background

Hypertension is a persistent elevation of blood pressure, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140/90 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg. It is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD; encompassing coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease), stroke and renal failure.