South Africa - the African-PREDICT Study.

Abstract

The high prevalence of hypertension (one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease) in the sub-Saharan African region has been reported, and its management remains a challenge. Although the challenge in controlling hypertension has been attributed to noncompliance with existing guidelines and best practices, lack of evidence-based guidelines, resources and poor access to healthcare; the full understanding of pathophysiology in the development of hypertension may be necessary for effective prevention and treatment strategies in the region. Due to lack of pathophysiologic understanding, the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular disease and Hypertension (African-PREDICT) was then initiated to fulfill this need. African-PREDICT is an ongoing longitudinal study which started in 2013, and is expected to continue for the next 10-20 years. A total of 1,202 young black (n=606) and white (n=596) South African men and women (aged 20-30 years) who were screened to be healthy and clinically normotensive are included in this study. At each data collection phase (baseline and each 5-year follow-up) of the study, detailed measures of health behaviours, cardiovascular profile and organ damage will be taken. In addition, biological sampling for determining novel early markers or predictors will be performed. The research results reported from the African-PREDICT study will contribute to a clear understanding of early cardiovascular disease development in young and healthy black and white individuals.