Unique approaches to hypertension control in China

According to the China nationwide hypertension survey in 2012–2015, the prevalence of hypertension in adults (≥18 years) was 27.9%, which increased approximately by 50% from 2002 (18.8%). The management of hypertension was improved, but still at low level, with the awareness, treatment and control rates of 46.9%, 40.7% and 15.3%, respectively. The challenge was still the low awareness and the low control rate in treated hypertension (37.5%). Several actions are currently being taken to improve hypertension control in China. In collaboration with the International Society of Hypertension May Measurement Month (MMM) Program, hundreds of volunteers across the country measured blood pressure in a large number of people in summer since 2017. In addition, a nationwide Web-based and WeChat-linked blood pressure measurement system is being built, with thousands of devices installed in public places within easy-reach of people. To improve blood pressure control in treated hypertension, two initiatives are being undertaken. One is the expanding use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to guide antihypertensive treatment. Another is primary aldosteronism screen in resistant hypertension. It is hoped that in the framework of the Healthy China 2030 Program the control rate of hypertension may increase in the next 10 years to 50% or higher by increasing both the awareness rate in the population and control rate in treated hypertensive patients to 70% or higher.