New data from the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 show that more than one in three adults in Fiji are living with elevated blood pressure.
The survey found that 36.6 per cent of participants recorded blood pressure readings consistent with elevated blood pressure — defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher — or were currently taking medication prescribed for hypertension.
Men were more likely to have elevated blood pressure than women, with 38.7 per cent of men affected compared with 34.4 per cent of women.
Prevalence increased sharply with age. Only 15.2 per cent of people aged 18 to 29 had elevated blood pressure, while rates climbed steadily across older age groups. Among those aged 60 to 69 years, more than two-thirds — 67.5 per cent — recorded elevated blood pressure. The average age of people with elevated blood pressure was 47.6 years.
The survey also revealed a smaller but notable group of respondents who had previously been diagnosed with hypertension but recorded normal blood pressure readings during the survey. About 5.8 per cent of those surveyed fell into this category, despite not being on medication at the time. These cases were excluded from further analysis.
Health officials say the findings highlight the importance of regular blood pressure screening and early intervention, particularly as risk increases with age.
