What is known about the topic?

Few national-based studies have been conducted in Bangladesh to assess the prevalence of hypertension in Bangladesh, and currently there is no relevant data available on adults aged 18-25 years. Risk factors for hypertension among Bangladeshi populations include high body mass index, age, area of residence, and gender. The majority of cases of hypertension in Bangladesh are untreated and undetected.

What this study adds?

Here, we provide the first analysis of prevalence of hypertension using the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association’s (ACC/AHA) 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines, in comparison to the existing guidelines, called Joint National Commission 7, guidelines among Bangladeshi adults aged 18 years and above. This study shows that with the adoption of the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, the prevalence of hypertension will more than double in Bangladesh. National efforts to improve treatment options among hypertensive adults should be prioritized, as the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Control Program of the Government of Bangladesh prepares to respond to the potential increase in prevalence of hypertension and subsequent burden on the health care system.