Title:Epidemiology of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Latin America
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Patricio Lopez-Jaramillo*, Jose Lopez-Lopez , Daniel Cohen, Natalia Alarcon-Ariza and Margarita Mogollon-Zehr
Affiliation:
- Masira Research Institute, University of Santander, Bucaramanga,Colombia
Keywords:
Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Latin America, cardiovascular disease, diet, health.
Abstract: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are two important risk factors that contribute
to cardiovascular diseases worldwide. In Latin America, hypertension prevalence varies from 30 to
50%. Moreover, the proportion of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension is very low.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus varies from 8 to 13% and around 40% of patients are unaware
of their condition. In addition, the prevalence of prediabetes varies from 6 to 14% and this
condition has also been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The principal factors
linked to a higher risk of hypertension in Latin America are increased adiposity, low muscle
strength, unhealthy diet, low physical activity and low education. Besides being chronic conditions,
leading causes of cardiovascular mortality, both hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus,
represent a substantial cost for the weak health systems of Latin American countries. Therefore, it
is necessary to implement and reinforce public health programs to improve awareness, treatment
and control of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in order to reach the mandate of the
United Nations to decrease the premature mortality for CVD.
