ABSTRACT
Chronic diseases such as hypertension have become the leading cause of death and disability in most countries of the world [1]. Hypertension is the major modi able risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic heart failure, and renal diseases [2-4]. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing, which will likely lead to an even greater burden of these secondary diseases [5]. Unhealthy behaviors, including those that lead to hypertension (poor dietary pattern and sedentarylifestyle), account for as much as 40% of premature deathsin the United States, whereas de ciencies in health care deliveryaccount for only 10% [6]. Thus, the anticipated increase in health care expenses due to rising rates of hypertension has called for a burning platform for prevention of hypertension. Hence, clinical and public health interventions must aim at reducing the burden of hypertension, at least in part, through self-management by those affected or at risk.
