Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in urban poor communities in Accra. Introduction Hypertension is largely regarded as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases with a growing prevalence and poor control

Hypertension is largely regarded as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases with a growing prevalence and poor control particularly in developing countries. 1 It is estimated that by 2030, mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in the adult population will reach 23 million with about 85% of such deaths occurring in lowand middle-income countries. 2 In developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, it has been suggested that the prevalence of hypertension is increasing rapidly generally because of increasing longevity and the continuous effect of contributing factors such as an unhealthy diet, obesity and physical inactivity. 3-5