Hypertension and its management in countries in Africa and the Middle East, with special reference to the place of β-blockade.

Background: The prevalence and clinical consequences of hypertension in countries in Africa and the Middle East have not been studied as well as in other regions.

Scope: We have reviewed the literature on the epidemiology and management of hypertension and related cardiovascular complications in countries within Africa and the Middle East. A PubMed search for countries in the region and 'hypertension' was supplemented by articles identified from reviews, and by literature suggested by the authors.