Hypertension: The East European Experience

Some differences (and similarities) between Eastern Europe and the rest of the Continent are presented regarding the treatment of hypertension. Based on data from the WHO Monitoring Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Diseases (MONICA) study, the prevalence of hypertension, and the proportion of uncontrolled hypertension, is clearly higher in Eastern Europe. According to one local long-term observer, a trend for further increases in prevalence is discernable. Comparative drug consumption studies are desirable. Regarding national experiences with hypertension and health care in general, there are also some important sociocultural differences; anecdotal observations are reported that support this assertion.