Prevalence of arterial hypertension and others cardiovascular risk factors and their relationship with variations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure at Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo)

Abstract

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. To determine the prevalence of hypertension (HT) and other cardiovascular risk factors. this cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2017 at Brazzaville. This screening included subjects over 18 years old. Screening was carried out in 5 districts of Brazzaville. This activity (May Measurement Month) was initiated and supported by International Society of Hypertension (ISH). A total of 3842 subjects were screened, including 2320 women (60.4%). The mean age was 47.6 ± 15.8 years. The medical history were: excessive alcohol intake (13.7%), cigarette smoking (5.4%) and diabetes (5%). Of these, 954 were known HT and did not receive treatment (29.8%). Of these hypertensive patients, 409 (66%) were treated and uncontrolled. Mean BMI was 26 ± 5.6, and abdominal obesity was noted in 823 (21.4%) cases. The mean systolic blood pressure (BP) was 134.5 mm Hg, 131.8 mm Hg and 130.6 mm Hg respectively for the measurement 1, measurement 2 and measurement 3. The mean diastolic BP was 83.1 mm Hg for the measurement 1, 81.5 mm Hg for the measurement 2 and 80.7 mm Hg for the measurement 3. HT was noted in 1576 subjects (41%). After adjusting for sex and age, the change in systolic BP was dependent on antihypertensive drugs ( P < 0.0001), previous stroke ( P = 0.001), alcohol consumption ( P = 0.001), abdominal obesity ( P < 0.0001), overweight ( P < 0.0001) and obesity ( P < 0.0001). The change in diastolic BP depended on: antihypertensive drugs ( P < 0.0001), previous stroke ( P = 0.01), alcohol consumption ( P < 0.0001), abdominal obesity ( P < 0.0001), overweight ( P = 0.001) and obesity ( P < 0.0001). The prevalence of HT is high at Brazzaville. Known hypertensive patients are little treated, and they are poorly controlled. Therefore, nationwide screening is needed to increase awareness and prevent complications.