Age-standardized Prevalence Of Hypertension Research Articles

Trend of Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and use of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in South Korea (2002-2013).

BackgroundThis study examined the annual prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its associated comorbidities, as well as the prevalence of warfarin therapy in South Korean patients with AF.MethodsThe National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database was searched for subjects aged ≥30 years diagnosed with AF from 2002–2013. The prevalence of AF was analyzed by sex and age, as was the current status of warfarin therapy in AF patients according to CHA2DS2-VASc score and comorbidities.ResultsThe age-standardized prevalence of AF in men and women was 0.15% and 0.14%, respectively, in 2002, increasing to 0.54% and 0.39%, respectively, in 2013. In 2013, the prevalence of AF in men and women aged 30–39 years was 0.08% and 0.03%, respectively, increasing to 2.35% and 1.71%, respectively, in those in aged ≥60 years. During 2002–2013, the prevalence of AF in men significantly increased among subjects aged ≥30 years and increased in women aged ≥60 years. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among AF patients were markedly increased during 2002–2013. Of these AF patients, 86.1% had a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2; however, only 39.1% of these were receiving warfarin.ConclusionsThe age-standardized prevalence of AF increased 2.89-fold over the 12-year study period. The total number of patients with AF in South Korea has been drastically increasing, due to not only aging society but also increasing age-specific prevalence of AF, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The rate of warfarin therapy increased slightly over the study period but remains low.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the adult Polish population - Multi-center National Population Health Examination Surveys - WOBASZ studies.

IntroductionHypertension is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension as well as treatment effectiveness (blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg) in a representative sample of the Polish population over the age of 19, examined in the WOBASZ II program. The second aim was to assess the changes in these parameters between 2003–2005 (WOBASZ study) and 2013–2014 in adults aged 20–74.Material and methodsSampling was performed in three stages, stratified according to voivodeship (province), type of commune, and gender. Finally, the study included 6163 persons (3406 women and 2757 men) examined in the years 2013–2014 (aged ≥ 19 years). For comparison the data from 14 755 persons (7783 women and 6452 men aged 20–74 years) examined in the years 2003–2005 were used.ResultsIn the years 2013–2014, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment and control was 42.7%, 59.3%, 46.1%, and 23% respectively. In the last decade an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (relative ratio (RR) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.18), treatment (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17–1.36) and control (RR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.9-12.45) was found. In contrast, the awareness decreased nonsignificantly (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.92–1.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypertension in Poland is high, and increased by about 12% in 10 years. Although the number of treated patients and blood pressure control improved nearly twofold over the last decade, this is still below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Poland should still be intensified.

Trends in Blood Pressure and Prevalence of Hypertension in Korean Adults Based on the 1998-2014 KNHANES.

PurposeTo investigate trends in blood pressure (BP) and hypertension prevalence in Korea.Materials and MethodsBased on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) I (1998), II (2001), III (2005), IV (2007–2009), V (2010–2012), and VI (2013–2014), 56077 participants (23974 men and 32103 women) were included.ResultsMean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) decreased in both sexes (male SBP: 128.1 to 120.2 mm Hg, male DBP: 82.0 to 78.5 mm Hg; female SBP: 125.7 to 116.0 mm Hg and female DBP: 77.4 to 73.2 mm Hg from the KNHANES I–VI). The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was significantly decreased in both sexes (male; 33.3% to 30.3%, female; 28.7% to 22.7%, all p for trend <0.001). Regardless of taking anti-hypertensive medication or not, SBP and DBP declined universally in both sexes. Compared to the KNHANES I, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the KNHANES II to VI for less-than-normotensive and less-than-hypertensive BP increased in both sexes.ConclusionMean BP levels in both sexes and hypertension prevalence showed downward trends during the 16-year period.

European Society of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2017.

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Atlas has been compiled by the European Heart Agency to document cardiovascular disease (CVD) statistics of the 56 ESC member countries. A major aim of this 2017 data presentation has been to compare high-income and middle-income ESC member countries to identify inequalities in disease burden, outcomes, and service provision. The Atlas utilizes a variety of data sources, including the World Health Organization, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the World Bank to document risk factors, prevalence, and mortality of cardiovascular disease and national economic indicators. It also includes novel ESC-sponsored survey data of health infrastructure and cardiovascular service provision provided by the national societies of the ESC member countries. Data presentation is descriptive with no attempt to attach statistical significance to differences observed in stratified analyses. Important differences were identified between the high-income and middle-income member countries of the ESC with regard to CVD risk factors, disease incidence, and mortality. For both women and men, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was lower in high-income countries (18% and 27%) compared with middle-income countries (24% and 30%). Smoking prevalence in men (not women) was also lower (26% vs. 41%) and together these inequalities are likely to have contributed to the higher CVD mortality in middle-income countries. Declines in CVD mortality have seen cancer becoming a more common cause of death in a number of high-income member countries, but in middle-income countries declines in CVD mortality have been less consistent where CVD remains the leading cause of death. Inequalities in CVD mortality are emphasized by the smaller contribution they make to potential years of life lost in high-income countries compared with middle-income countries both for women (13% vs. 23%) and men (20% vs. 27%). The downward mortality trends for CVD may, however, be threatened by the emerging obesity epidemic that is seeing rates of diabetes increasing across all the ESC member countries. Survey data from the National Cardiac Societies showed that rates of cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass surgery, as well as the number of specialist centres required to deliver them, were greatest in the high-income member countries of the ESC. The Atlas confirmed that these ESC member countries, where the facilities for the contemporary treatment of coronary disease were best developed, were often those in which declines in coronary mortality have been most pronounced. Economic resources were not the only driver for delivery of equitable cardiovascular health care, as some middle-income ESC member countries reported rates for interventional procedures and device implantations that matched or exceeded the rates in wealthier member countries. In documenting national CVD statistics, the Atlas provides valuable insights into the inequalities in risk factors, health care delivery, and outcomes of CVD across the ESC member countries. The availability of these data will underpin the ESC's ambitious mission 'to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease' not only in its member countries but also in nation states around the world.

Changes in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension from 2004 to 2014 among 25-74-year-old citizens in the Yangon Region, Myanmar

BackgroundHypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and little is known about trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment and the control of hypertension in Myanmar. This study aims at evaluating changes from 2004 to 2014 in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the Yangon Region, Myanmar, and to compare associations between hypertension and selected socio-demographic, behavioural- and metabolic risk factors in 2004 and 2014.MethodsIn 2004 and 2014, household-based cross-sectional studies were conducted in urban and rural areas of Yangon Region using the WHO STEPS protocol. Through a multi-stage cluster sampling method, a total of 4448 and 1486 participated in 2004 and 2014, respectively, with the response rates above 89%.ResultsFrom 2004 to 2014, there was a significant increase in the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension from 26.7% (95% CI:24.4-29.1) – 34.6% (32.2-37.1), as well as an awareness from 19.4% (17.2-21.9) to 27.8% (24.9-31.0), while treatment and control rates did not change. The age-standardized mean systolic blood pressure increased from 122.8 (SE) ± 0.82 mmHg in 2004 to 128.1 ± 0.53 mmHg in 2014, whereas diastolic blood pressure increased from 76.2 ± 0.35 mmHg to 80.9 ± 0.53 mmHg. In multivariate analyses, hypertension was significantly associated with age, alcohol consumption, overweight and diabetes in both 2004 and 2014, and additionally associated with low physical activity and hypercholesterolemia in 2004. Combining all data, a significant association between study-year and hypertension persisted in different models with an adjustment for socio-demographic variables and behavioural variables, but not when adjusting for a combination of socio-demographic variables, the metabolic variables, BMI and hypercholesterolemia.ConclusionThe prevalence of hypertension has risen from 2004 to 2014 in both urban and rural areas of the Yangon Region, while, the awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension remains low in urban and rural areas among both males and females. It is likely that changes in the metabolic variables, BMI and hypercholesterolemia have contributed to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension from 2004 to 2014. Factors associated with hypertension in both study years were age, alcohol consumption, overweight and diabetes. A national hypertension control programme should be implemented in order to reduce premature deaths in Myanmar.

Prevalence, awareness, and associated risk factors of hypertension in older adults in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BackgroundThe health of older persons has not been a major priority in many African countries. Hypertension is one of the common health problems of older persons. However, there is little information on the prevalence of hypertension in older adults in Africa. This is in spite of the fact that Africa has the highest age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in the world. We therefore present this protocol to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of hypertension and the level of its awareness among older persons living in Africa.MethodsMajor databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsycINFO) and unpublished literature will be searched to identify population-based studies on hypertension in adults aged 50 years and older living in Africa. Eligible articles are those which use the 140/90-mmHg cutoff to diagnose hypertension and were published from 1980 to present. We will exclude subjects in restricted environments such as patients and refugees. Articles will be independently evaluated by two reviewers to determine if they meet the inclusion criteria. They will also evaluate the quality of included studies using a validated tool by Hoy and colleagues for prevalence studies. The main outcome is the prevalence of hypertension while the explanatory variables include demographic, socio-economic, dietary, lifestyle and behavioural factors. Effect sizes in bivariate and multivariate analyses will be presented as odds or prevalence ratios. We will explore for heterogeneity of the standard errors across the studies, and if appropriate, we will perform a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to present a summary estimate of the prevalence of hypertension in this population.DiscussionThe estimates of the prevalence, the risk factors and the level of awareness of hypertension could help in galvanizing efforts at prioritizing the cardiovascular health of older persons in Africa.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42017056474

PP.11.16] ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN HYPERTENSION PREVALENCE, AWARENESS, TREATMENT AND CONTROL IN THE THREE COUNTRIES

Objective: Many of countries include large Russian populations from the soviet time which leave in the environment of other cultures for several generations.High hypertension prevalence and low control is the common problem for most The Commonwealth of Independent States countries. Design and method: This study is cross-sectional epidemiology survey of chronic non-communicable diseases and its risk factors in rural areas of three countries performed in 2012–2014. Data on representative samples of the rural population of the Samara region of the Russian Federation (n = 1050),Chui region of the Kyrgyz Republic (n = 1341)and Karaganda region of Kazakhstan (n = 1807). All results were age-standardized.The share of Russian population in Kyrgyz and Kazakh samples were 36,8% and 32,9%. Results: Age-standardized hypertension prevalence in Russia was 40,1%, in Kyrgyzstan-37,1%, in Kazakhstan-31,8%.It was significantly higher among women than men (p < 0,01). In Russian region,average SBP was 127,1 ± 12,8 mmHg, DBP was 79,6 ± 13,7 mmHg, without gender differences.In Kyrgyzstan we found significant differences in SBP between the Russian and Kyrgyz women (129,3 and 123,3 mmHg, p < 0,05), in Kazakhstan there were significant differences in SBP were observed among Russian and Kazakh men (127,7 vs. 122,2 mmHg, p < 0,05). Hypertension awareness was 59,1% in Russia, 53,3% in Kyrgyzstan, 54,8% in Kazakhstan (p > 0,05).The women were aware of hypertension more than men in Samara (63,3% vs 55,3%, p < 0,05) and Kyrgyzstan (60,9% and 42,1%, p < 0,01), in Kazakhstan were no gender differences (50,6% and 51,1%, p > 0,05). Among hypertensive participants, the percentage of treated hypertension in Samara was significantly higher than in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (41,2% vs.26,7%, 25,3%, p < 0,01).In Kyrgyzstan we found ethnic differences among both genders: in native population (23,8% women and 13,1% men) hypertension treatment was significantly lower than in Russian population (36,5% vs.23,7%), p < 0,01.In Kazakhstan there was the similar picture:(18,8%vs.23,3%, p < 0,05). In Samara 37,1% of adults with hypertension had controlled BP levels what was significantly higher compared with residents in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (23,7% and 22,9%, (p < 0,01)). In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan were no ethnic differences in hypertension control (p > 0,05). Conclusions: Highest hypertension prevalence among the three countries was in the Russia and in Russian population in Kyrgyzstan.Hypertension awareness in Russia was higher.In Kyrgyzstan,hypertension awareness was lower among Russian women.Among hypertensive participants,the percentage of treated hypertension in Samara was most. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan hypertension treatment was lower among native population.Most higher percentage of controlled BP was in Samara.

Prevalence of Stroke and Vascular Risk Factors in China: a Nationwide Community-based Study

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of stroke and related vascular risk factors in adult population aged 40 years and older in China. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey in nationally representative sample of 207323 individuals from all 31 Chinese provinces in 2013. Data were used to analyze the prevalence of stroke by age, sex, geographical regions and educational level. The age-standardized prevalence of stroke was significantly higher in men than in women in all age groups (P < 0.001). The age-standardized prevalence of stroke was significantly higher in rural than in urban residents among both men and women (P < 0.001). The prevalence of stroke was inversely associated with educational level. There were striking geographical variations in stroke prevalence in China with a higher prevalence of stroke in northern provinces as compared with southern provinces of the country. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation and obesity in the Chinese population aged 40 years and older were 35.24%, 9.55%, 58.72%, 1.57% and 4.09%, respectively. Stroke and related vascular risk factors remains a major public threat in China and effective primary preventive strategies that aimed at reducing the burden of stroke and its risk factors are urgently needed.

Universal Coverage of Hypertension Treatment Services in Malaysia Is Still an Elusive Goal

An analysis of population coverage of hypertension treatment services can be used to make inferences about the performance of primary care services within health systems. Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has a well-established primary care system but one that favors rural populations and provision of services for maternal and child health and infectious diseases. Demographic factors including rapid aging, urbanization, as well as lifestyle changes characteristic of a modernizing society have led to an increase in noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension. In this article, we used data from a nationally representative household health survey to develop service coverage indicators for hypertension screening and treatment services. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was estimated to be 33.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.9, 33.9). Only 39.0% (95% CI, 37.5, 40.6) of adults with hypertension had been diagnosed by a medical practitioner, 35.7% had been on treatment, and 9.6% had blood pressure controlled under treatment. The diagnosis, treatment, and controlled treatment coverage were higher for older persons compared to younger persons. There were no differences in the diagnosis and treatment coverage between urban and rural areas and between ethnic groups. However, controlled treatment coverage was higher among Chinese and those living in urban areas. Our findings suggest that primary care services in Malaysia may need to intensify health education activities to promote screening services. There is also a need to reprioritize activities to provide regular community health screening of adults and increase access to affordable primary care services, especially in the urban areas.

Socioeconomic differences in prevalence, awareness, control and self-management of hypertension among four minority ethnic groups, Na Xi, Li Shu, Dai and Jing Po, in rural southwest China

This study investigates socioeconomic differences in prevalence, awareness, control and self-management of hypertension in rural China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among four ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province: Na Xi, Li Shu, Dai and Jing Po. Approximately 5532 consenting individuals aged ⩾35 years (48.4% of whom were male) were selected to participate in the study using a stratified, multistage sampling technique. Information about participants' demographic characteristics and hypertension awareness, treatment, control and self-management practices was obtained using a standard questionnaire. The age-standardised prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 33.6%. In hypertensive subjects, the overall levels of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 42.1%, 28.5% and 6.7%, respectively. Approximately 58.7% of hypertensive patients regularly self-monitored blood pressure (BP), 64.7% adhered to their physician-prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs, and 88.0% took at least one measure to control BP. Hypertensive patients of Jing Po ethnicity had the lowest rates of awareness, treatment, control and self-management of hypertension among the four ethnic minority groups studied. Individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to be hypertensive. Further, individuals with lower levels of education had a lower probability of awareness of their hypertensive status and of treatment with antihypertensive medication. Access to medical services was positively associated with awareness of suffering from hypertension, being treated with antihypertensive medication, and compliance with antihypertensive drug treatment. This study suggests that effective strategies to enhance awareness, treatment and management of hypertension should focus on individuals with low levels of education and poor access to medical services.

PS 06-11 PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION, PREHYPERTENSION AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH RISK FACTORS AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC CORRELATES IN INDIA

Objective: To measure the prevalence of hypertension, prehypertension and their association with risk factors and socio- economic correlates. Design and Method: We conducted a representative population based cross-sectional survey, as part of a large community intervention study entitled UDAY, among 12245 participants aged ≥ 30 years residing in rural and urban areas of North (Sonipat, Haryana) and South (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) India. Participants were selected using a multistage cluster random sampling technique. Trained health workers collected the data using an interviewer administered questionnaire, obtained three blood pressure readings, conducted body measurements and collected bio-samples. Hypertension and prehypertension were defined according to standard definitions. Their association with risk factors and socio- economic correlates were measured using multinomial logistic regression models. Results: The overall age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 28.2% (95% CI: 27.4%-29.0%) and prehypertension was 29.9% (29.1%-30.8%). Alcohol consumption [Adjusted Relative Risk Ratio (ARRR): 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3–1.8)] and [ARRR: 1.3 (1.1–1.5)], overweight [ARRR: 1.5 (1.3–1.8)] and [ARRR: 1.4 (1.2–1.6)], obesity [ARRR: 2.4 (1.9–2.9)] and [ARRR: 1.8 (1.5–2.2)], diabetes [ARRR: 2.4 (2.0–2.9)] and [ARRR: 1.6 (1.3–1.9)] and dyslipidemia [ARRR: 1.4 (1.2–1.5)] and [ARRR: 1.16 (1.03–1.29)] were more likely to be associated with both hypertension and prehypertension respectively. Participants reporting vigorous physical activity [ARRR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)] and consuming ≥ 5 servings of fruits and vegetables [ARRR: 0.9 (0.8–0.9)] were at lower risk of having hypertension only. Among socio- economic correlates, participants who were male, had urban residence, were older and had education below graduate level, were at higher risk of having both hypertension and prehypertension. Conclusions: There is a high burden of both hypertension and prehypertension in India. Tailored strategies to control alcohol intake, overweight/obesity, blood glucose, and lipids as well as promotion of healthier lifestyles to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical activity are required.

PP.30.10] INFLUENCE OF URINARY SODIUM AND POTASSIUM EXCRETION ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN CAMEROONIAN PYGMIES AND BANTUS

Objective: High dietary salt increases blood pressure (BP) and is a leading cause of hypertension. This study aimed to examine association between urinary sodium and potassium excretion with BP among Cameroonian pygmies under hunter-gatherer subsistence mode and Bantus, living in urban area under westernized lifestyle. Design and method: We randomly enrolled 150 Pygmies living in the Lolodorf municipality (rural area) and 150 Bantus living in Douala (urban area). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), BP and single overnight spot urine samples were obtained. Brachial systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured in triplicate using an automatic device (Omron 705 CP). Urinary sodium and potassium concentration was determined by flame photometry and was used as surrogates for salt intake. Results: As Compared to Bantus, Pygmies were shorter with a lower body weight (all P < 0001) and had a lower age-standardized prevalence of hypertension (3.3 % vs 28 %) (all P < 0.0001). Age-adjusted SBP and DBP were lower in Pygmies than in Bantus (all P < 0.001). Both SBP and DBP increased with age but to a lesser extent in Pygmies (both P < 0.01). Urinary sodium excretion was lower in Pygmies than in Bantus (46.9 ± 32.4 vs 121.5 ± 61.0 mmol/L, P < 0.0001). Age-adjusted SBP and DBP were positively associated with urinary sodium concentration in Bantus (all p < 0.05), but not in Pygmies. In the two groups, urinary potassium concentration was similar, and was not related to BP (all >0.05). In the whole study population and in Bantus taken separately, urinary sodium excretion was higher in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects (P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urinary sodium excretion, Bantu status and age are independent determinants of hypertension in the whole study population (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that hunter-gatherer living is associated with low level of urinary sodium concentration which likely explains the low rates of hypertension and slower increase of BP with age in traditional pygmies. Hypertension is more common and urinary sodium concentration is higher in Bantus. Urinary salt excretion emerged as an independent predictor of hypertension in this Cameroonian population.

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension in Indonesian Adults Aged ≥40 Years: Findings from the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS).

ObjectiveHypertension is the major driver of the cardiovascular epidemic facing Indonesia in the 21st century. Understanding the socioeconomic inequalities associated with hypertension is essential for designing effective intervention strategies. The aim of the current study was to use sub-nationally representative survey data to examine socio-demographic inequalities in the prevalence, diagnosis and management of hypertension in Indonesian adults.MethodsWe investigated factors associated with hypertension prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and control using data on self-reported diagnosis and treatment, and blood pressure measurements, collected from 9755 respondents aged 40 years and up in the 2007 Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS 4).ResultsAge-standardized prevalence of hypertension among the study participants was 47.8% (95% CI: 46.8, 48.9), of which almost 70% were undiagnosed. Hypertension was significantly higher in women than men (52.3% versus 43.1%, p-value<0.001). Prevalence of hypertension increased significantly with ageing (Pfor trend <0.001). Over 91% (men: 92.1%, women: 90.0%) of hypertension cases were uncontrolled. Gender, education and socioeconomic status had differential impact on the diagnosis of hypertension and in receiving treatment.ConclusionsOverall, less than a third were aware of their hypertension and a quarter of those on medication had their blood pressure effectively controlled. Men and those of younger age were more vulnerable to have undiagnosed and untreated hypertension. Substantial effort should be given to improve awareness about the condition and making provision for early diagnosis and treatment.

Global Disparities of Hypertension Prevalence and Control: A Systematic Analysis of Population-Based Studies From 90 Countries.

Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. We examined global disparities of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in 2010 and compared secular changes from 2000 to 2010. We searched MEDLINE from 1995 through 2014 and supplemented with manual searches of retrieved article references. We included 135 population-based studies of 968 419 adults from 90 countries. Sex- and age-specific hypertension prevalences from each country were applied to population data to calculate regional and global numbers of hypertensive adults. Proportions of awareness, treatment, and control from each country were applied to hypertensive populations to obtain regional and global estimates. In 2010, 31.1% (95% confidence interval, 30.0%-32.2%) of the world's adults had hypertension; 28.5% (27.3%-29.7%) in high-income countries and 31.5% (30.2%-32.9%) in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 1.39 (1.34-1.44) billion people had hypertension in 2010: 349 (337-361) million in high-income countries and 1.04 (0.99-1.09) billion in low- and middle-income countries. From 2000 to 2010, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension decreased by 2.6% in high-income countries, but increased by 7.7% in low- and middle-income countries. During the same period, the proportions of awareness (58.2% versus 67.0%), treatment (44.5% versus 55.6%), and control (17.9% versus 28.4%) increased substantially in high-income countries, whereas awareness (32.3% versus 37.9%) and treatment (24.9% versus 29.0%) increased less, and control (8.4% versus 7.7%) even slightly decreased in low- and middle-income countries. Global hypertension disparities are large and increasing. Collaborative efforts are urgently needed to combat the emerging hypertension burden in low- and middle-income countries.

Prevalence of Hypertension among Adults in Remote Rural Areas of Xinjiang, China

Objective: The present study aimed to estimate prevalence of hypertension among adults in rural remote areas of Xinjiang, China and evaluate the associated factors of hypertension. Methods: The survey was based on questionnaire interviews and clinical measurements of 11,340 individuals (≥18 years old), and was conducted during 2009–2010 via a stratified cluster random sampling method in the remote rural areas of Xinjiang, about 4407 km away from the capital Beijing. Hypertension was defined according to WHO/ISH criteria. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the population were (126.3 ± 21.4) and (80.9 ± 13.4) mmHg. Compared with Han nationality subjects, SBP and DBP of Kazakh nationality subjects were significantly high (p < 0.05), while the SBP and DBP of Uyghur subjects were significantly low (Kazakh: (128.7 ± 23.9) and (83.0 ± 14.6) mmHg, Uyghur: (123.6 ± 19.3) and (77.4 ± 12.7) mmHg, Han: (126.5 ± 20.5) and (82.6 ± 11.9) mmHg, p < 0.05). Prevalence of hypertension of the population was 32.1%, and was greater among Kazakhs and lower among Uyghur than Han (Kazakh: 36.9%, Uyghur: 26.1%, Han: 33.7%, p < 0.05). The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 30.2%, and was greater among Kazakhs while lower among Uyghurs than Han subjects (Kazakh: 37.0%, Uyghur: 26.0%, Han: 33.8%, p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed Gender (OR = 1.324), age (OR = 2.098, 3.681, 6.794, 9.473, 14.646), nationality (OR = 1.541), occupation (OR = 1.659, 1.576), education (OR = 1.260), BMI (OR = 1.842), WC (OR = 1.585), WHR (OR = 1.188), WHR (OR = 1.188), diabetes (OR = 1.879), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.361), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.131) and high blood low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 1.956) were all positively correlated with hypertension, while low blood high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 0.765) was negatively correlated with hypertension. Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension among adults in remote rural areas of Xinjiang was higher than the national average. Prevalence of hypertension was greater among Kazakhs and lower among Uyghurs than Han nationals, thus indicating significant differences between regions and nationalities. Gender, age, nation, occupation, education, overweight or obesity, abdominal obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-C were positively correlated with hypertension, low HDL-C was negatively correlated with hypertension.

Frequency of Comorbidities and Their Association with Clinical Disability and Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may be at an increased risk of comorbidities due to the debilitating and chronic nature of the disease. An increased understanding of comorbidities and disease course in MS may provide new insights and enhance MS management. We aimed at investigating the frequency of comorbidities and their associations with clinical disability and relapse in MS. Methods: A prospective cohort of 198 MS patients was followed during 2002-2005 and queried about specific doctor-diagnosed comorbidities. In Australia, the MS cohort was compared to the 2007 general population with regard to the prevalence of comorbidities. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression was used to assess the difference in subsequent disability between those who reported comorbidities and those who did not. The association of comorbidities with the hazard of relapse was assessed using survival analysis. Results: The age-standardised prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, asthma, psoriasis, eczema and anaemia was significantly higher in the MS cohort compared to that in the general Australian population. The level of disability (Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score) in those who reported overweight/obesity (β: 0.76 (95% CI 0.04-1.48), p = 0.037), or dyslipidaemia (β: 1.05 (95% CI 0.07-2.02), p = 0.036) was significantly higher compared to those who did not report these comorbidities, even after adjustment for potential confounders. There were no significant associations between comorbidities and change in disability. For relapse analyses, rheumatoid arthritis and anaemia were associated with more than threefold (hazard ratio, HR 3.70 (95% CI 1.80-7.58), p < 0.001) and twofold (HR 2.04 (95% CI 1.11-3.74), p = 0.022) increased risk of subsequent relapse respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of some comorbidities was higher in MS patients and associated with greater disability and relapse risk. Treatment of these comorbidities in patients with MS has the potential to improve disease course and help in the understanding of the prognosis and outcomes of MS.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the older population: results from the multiple national studies on ageing

The international comparisons that provided useful epidemiologic information of hypertension in the elderly people is still sparse; we aim to provide the latest international estimates on the burden of hypertension. These sampling methods of the selection of surveys mainly used multistage population registry; this cross-national study of 63,014 adults aged ≥50 years was from in four high-income countries, four upper–middle–income countries (UMICs), and three low–middle–income countries (LMICs). Overall, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension among the adult population aged ≥50 years was 53.2% (51.9% of men and 54.3% of women). The high-income countries and UMICs had more or less twice the prevalence of hypertension compare with LMICs. The rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were 55.6%, 44.1%, and 17.1%, respectively, and awareness and control of hypertension were lowest in UMICs and treatment of hypertension was lowest in LMICs. Among this multiple national study population, hypertension was very common among elderly population. Even more worrisome is that the rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were relatively low in UMICs and IMICs. These results indicate that improving the ability to control and prevention of hypertension in resource-limited settings is needed.

Risk factors of hypertension among adults aged 35-64 years living in an urban slum Nairobi, Kenya.

BackgroundHypertension is an emerging public health problem in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and urbanization is considered to favor its emergence. Given a paucity of information on hypertension and associated risk factors among urban slum dwellers in SSA, we aimed to characterize the distribution of risk factors for hypertension and investigate their association with hypertension in an urban slum in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted a community based cross-sectional survey among adults 35 years and older living in Kibera slum Nairobi, Kenya. Trained interviewers collected data on socio demographic characteristics and self reported health behaviours using modified World Health Organization stepwise surveillance questionnaire for chronic disease risk factors. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed following standard procedures. Multiple logistic regression was used for analysis and odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to identify risk factors associated with hypertension.ResultA total of 1528 adults were surveyed with a mean age of 46.7 years. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was 29.4 % (95 % CI 27.0–31.7). Among the 418 participants classified as hypertensive, over one third (39.0 %) were unaware they had hypertension. Prevalence of current smoking and alcohol consumption was 8.5 and 13.1 % respectively. Over one quarter 26.2 % participants were classified as overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥25 to ≤29.9 kg/m2), and 17 % classified as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Overweight, obesity, current smoking, some level of education, highest wealth index, moderate physical activity, older age and being widowed were each independently associated with hypertension. When fit in a multivariable logistic regression model, being a widow [AOR = 1.7; (95 % CI, 1.1–2.6)], belonging to the highest wealth index [AOR = 1.6; (95 % CI, 1.1–2.5)], obesity [AOR = 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.1–3.1)] and moderate physical activity [AOR = 1.9; (95 % CI, 1.2–3.0)], all remained significantly associated with hypertension.ConclusionHypertension in the slum is a public health problem affecting at least one in three adults aged 35–64 years. Age, marital status, wealth index, physical inactivity and body mass index are important risk factors associated with hypertension. Prevention measures targeting the modifiable risk factors associated with hypertension are warranted to curb hypertension and its progressive effects.

The burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: a four-country cross sectional study.

BackgroundHypertension, the leading single cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a growing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have estimated and compared the burden of hypertension across different SSA populations. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of blood pressure data collected through a cohort study in four SSA countries, to estimate the prevalence of pre-hypertension, the prevalence of hypertension, and to identify the factors associated with hypertension.MethodsParticipants were from five different population groups defined by occupation and degree of urbanization, including rural and peri-urban residents in Uganda, school teachers in South Africa and Tanzania, and nurses in Nigeria. We used a standardized questionnaire to collect data on demographic and behavioral characteristics, injuries, and history of diagnoses of chronic diseases and mental health. We also made physical measurements (weight, height and blood pressure), as well as biochemical measurements; which followed standardized protocols across the country sites. Modified Poison regression modelling was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) as measures of association between potential risk factors and hypertension.ResultsThe overall age-standardized prevalence of hypertension among the 1216 participants was 25.9 %. Prevalence was highest among nurses with an age-standardized prevalence (ASP) of 25.8 %, followed by school teachers (ASP = 23.2 %), peri-urban residents (ASP = 20.5 %) and lowest among rural residents (ASP = 8.7 %). Only 50.0 % of participants with hypertension were aware of their raised blood pressure. The overall age-standardized prevalence of pre-hypertension was 21.0 %. Factors found to be associated with hypertension were: population group, older age, higher body mass index, higher fasting plasma glucose level, lower level of education, and tobacco use.ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension are high, and differ by population group defined by occupation and degree of urbanization. Only half of the populations with hypertension are aware of their hypertension, indicating a high burden of undiagnosed and un-controlled high blood pressure in these populations.

Abstract 16828: Global Disparities of Hypertension Prevalence and Control: A Systematic Analysis of Population-based Studies From 90 Countries

Introduction: Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. We aimed to examine the global disparities of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in 2010 and compare secular changes in these disparities from 2000 to 2010. Methods: We searched MEDLINE from January 1995 to December 2014 and supplemented with manual searches of references from retrieved articles. A total of 135 population-based studies with 968,419 individuals aged ≥20 years from 90 countries were included. Sex-age-specific prevalences of hypertension from each country were applied to population data to calculate the number of hypertensive adults in each region and globally. Proportions of awareness, treatment, and control from each country were applied to hypertensive populations to obtain regional and global estimates. Results: An estimated 30.2% (95% confidence interval, 30.1-30.4%) of the world’s adult population in 2010 had hypertension; 28.6% (28.3-28.9%) in high-income countries and 30.3% (30.1-30.5%) in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 1.35 billion (1.34-1.36 billion) people had hypertension in 2010; 349 million (339-359 million) in high-income and 1.00 billion (0.99-1.01 billion) in low- and middle-income countries. From 2000 to 2010, age-standardized prevalence of hypertension decreased by 2.3% in high-income countries but increased by 6.1% in low- and middle-income countries. During the same period, the proportions of awareness (56.6% vs 68.8%), treatment (42.9% vs 56.1%), and control (16.6% vs. 28.9%) increased substantially in high-income countries, whereas awareness (34.7% vs 35.1%), treatment (23.4% vs 26.4%), and control (7.0% vs 7.8%) increased only slightly in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Global disparities in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control are large and increasing. Collaborative efforts from national and international stakeholders are urgently needed to combat the emerging hypertension burden in low- and middle-income countries.