High-performing countries, such as Canada and South Korea, initiated national treatment programs resulting in more than 50% adults living in those areas with blood pressure that is now under control.

Mary Collins, 31, of Helena, Mont., developed high blood pressure while pregnant this year. Halfway through her pregnancy, Collins still hiked and attended strength training classes.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is known as a "silent killer" and can increase a person's risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease and other serious conditions.

While no one wants high blood pressure, of course, some people don't know how to lower it through behaviors or diet, and questions abound concerning doing so safely.

An increase in the number of people effectively treated for hypertension to levels observed in high-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050, the WHO says.

High blood pressure can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, pregnancy complications and other health problems, but the symptoms are “often silent,” Dr. Wadhera said.