Hypertension is a growing international health issue increasing in prevalence over time and over the lifespan, with a significant economic cost.

The prevalence of hypertension varies by population and diet.

Those adhering to vegetarian and, to a greater degree, vegan diets have a significantly lower prevalence of hypertension compared with nonvegetarians relative to others in their own geographic and/or cultural population.

Adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet may be an adjunct and/or preventive treatment for hypertension.