Hypertension and relationship between blood pressure variations with overweight, obesity and excessive alcohol intake in adult population of Congo – Brazzaville

Abstract

Hypertension (HT) is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, other cardiovascular risk factors are on the rise in this part of the world. To determine the proportion of HT and the relationship between blood pressure (BP) variation and overweight, obesity and excessive alcohol intake in the republic of the Congo. Screening was conducted during the period from 15 may to 15 June 2019. Have been included, consenting persons, over 18 years of age, with no disabling signs or pathologies. The screening concerned urban and rural areas. The protocol May Measurement Month (MMM) of International Society of Hypertension (ISH) was applied. In total, 3157 persons were included. The mean age was 44.7 ± 14.9, male sex 1486 (47.1%). The mean BMI 25.4 ± 5.1. They were in overweight 881 (27.9%), and obesity 447 (14.2%). Excessive alcohol intake was reported in 208 cases (6.6%). The proportion of hypertension was 33.5% ( n = 1057), and HT was aware in 42.6%, on medication 37.3%, of them proportion under treatment was 62.4%, and hypertensives with controlled blood BP was 23.3%. After imputation, the proportions of HT were: 30.1% ( n = 1475) according age and sex standardised. Systolic and diastolic BP increased in compared to baseline in case of obesity ( P < 0.001) and excessive alcohol intake ( P < 0.001). Only diastolic BP increased in compared to baseline in case of overweight ( P = 0.001). Overweight, obesity and excessive alcohol intake are associated factors of increased blood pressure. Advocacy for the education of the population to prevent the occurrence of these risk factors is recommended.