Korea Hypertension Fact Sheet 2024: nationwide population-based analysis with a focus on young adults

• DOI: 10.5646/ch.2025.31.e11
• Publication Date: 2025-02-24T01:59:51Z
• Authors: Hyeon Chang Kim; Hokyou Lee; Hyeok-Hee Lee; Song Vogue Ahn; Ju-Mi Lee; Dae Young Cheon; Jong Hyun Jhee; Minjae Yoon; Min-Ho Shin; JoonNyung Heo; Eunji Kim; Seung Won Lee; Jaeyong Lee; Yeon Woo Oh; Jooeun Jeon; Minsung Cho; Dasom Son; Na Yeon Ahn
• Keywords: Fact sheet; Angiology

This report provides an overview of hypertension prevalence, management, and trends in South Korea. The analysis is based on data from Korean adults aged 20 older, using the 1998-2022 Korea National Health Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2002-2022 Insurance (NHI) Big Data. An estimated 30% (13 million) have hypertension, including 7.2 million men, 5.8 women, 65 or older. Overall awareness, treatment, control rates were 77%, 74%, 59%, respectively, showing a tendency to increase with advancing age. Medical utilization for has steadily increased, 11.5 patients accessing medical services, 10.9 receiving antihypertensive prescriptions, 8.1 undergoing continuous treatment 2022. Prescription patterns reveal monotherapy (40%), dual therapy (44%), combination three more drugs (16%). most commonly prescribed medications include angiotensin receptor blockers (76%), calcium channel (62%), diuretics (23%), beta-blockers (15%). Among young 20-39 59.2% do not utilize healthcare 84.9% are non-adherent treatment. Awareness (36%), (35%), (33%) this group notably lower than all age groups above 40, continuity at 24% individuals their 20s 40% those 30s. While achieved relatively high management compared many countries, further efforts needed reduce prevalence improve awareness adherence, particularly among younger adults.