About 1 in 3 adults worldwide had high blood pressure in 2019, and that number hasn’t really changed since 1990 — but where people live makes a big difference, and population growth and aging have shifted where the burden is felt most.

What we've found so far is that the global share of adults with high blood pressure has remained relatively stable since 1990. Our analysis of the available research suggests that about 1 in 3 adults worldwide had high blood pressure in 2019, a level that hasn’t changed significantly over the past three decades [1]. While the overall proportion has stayed roughly the same, the picture varies widely by region. The evidence we’ve reviewed highlights that where people live plays a major role in their risk, with some areas seeing higher rates and others lower. At the same time, global population growth and the aging of the population mean that the total number of people living with high blood pressure has increased, even if the percentage has not [1]. Our current analysis shows that the stability in global prevalence masks important shifts in where and how high blood pressure affects people. Even though the fraction of adults with the condition hasn’t risen, the growing and aging world population means more individuals are living with this health concern than ever before [1]. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward the conclusion that high blood pressure remains a persistent global issue, with little change in adult prevalence over time. However, because the data point to regional differences and demographic changes, the burden is not evenly distributed or experienced. Based on what we've reviewed so far, it appears that while the proportion of adults with high blood pressure has held steady, the real-world impact has grown due to population changes. Practical takeaway: High blood pressure is still common worldwide, and even if rates haven’t gone up, more people are affected simply because there are more people — especially older adults — than in 1990.