ABSTRACT
Hypertension affects over 1 billion individuals globally and is the most prevalent risk factor for atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation. Despite its association with significant morbidity and mortality, it remains challenging both to diagnose and to manage (Lawes et al. 2008). Hypertension is associated with an increased risk for ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline and premature death and, if left untreated, usually continues to rise until it becomes resistant to treatment.
