RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Epidemiology of stroke and high blood pressure in Africa JF Heart JO Heart FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society SP 697 OP 705 DO 10.1136/hrt.2007.127753 VO 94 IS 6 A1 G A Mensah YR 2008 UL http://heart.bmj.com/content/94/6/697.abstract AB Stroke and high blood pressure are major causes of death and disability worldwide. Although comprehensive stroke surveillance data for Africa are lacking, the available data show that age-standardised mortality, case fatality and prevalence of disabling stroke in Africa are similar to or higher than those measures in most high-income regions. In Africa, more than 90% of patients with haemorrhagic stroke and more than half with ischaemic stroke are found to have high blood pressure. However, awareness of hypertension and its prevention, treatment and control remain very low in Africa even though recent surveys show an increasing prevalence of the disease consistent with the nutritional and epidemiological transition in the region. Renewed emphasis on improved surveillance and the prevention and control of high blood pressure and stroke in Africa is needed.