Hypertension is a long-term condition where blood pressure is increased.  It is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting more than 1.4 billion people and accounting for more than 28,000 deaths each day.  Initially, it does not cause any symptoms but if left untreated it can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, vision loss, and dementia. Control of high blood pressure can help protect against these conditions and there are many steps that can be taken to help lower blood pressure.

Hypertension is a complex condition with many causes including lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, a salt-rich diet with high processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco use. Unfortunately the incidence of hypertension is increasing at an alarming rate from developed countries to emerging economies, such as India, China and African countries.

Adequate treatment of high blood pressure lowers this cardiovascular risk towards normal levels. However, the biggest problem for controlling hypertension is compliance with treatment. Despite very effective and cost-effective treatments, target blood pressure levels are not always reached, even in countries where cost of medication is not an issue.

The members of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), founded some 50 years ago, are working to raise awareness of this significant global health threat and to improve management of hypertension and related cardiovascular disease.

To achieve this goal the ISH cooperates with many organizations and societies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), World Hypertension League (WHL), National Societies of Hypertension, Councils of High Blood Pressure and other related organisations.