Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in a semi-urban Nigerian hypertensive population

Abstract

The prevalence of high blood pressure and other associated cardiovascular risk factors in a semi-urban Nigerian community were studied. A total of 425 subjects aged 35 years and above took part in the cross sectional survey held at Nsukka, Nigeria. A detailed questionnaire was administered to the subjects to ascertain their risk levels consequent upon life style and genetic disposition. Anthropometric parameters, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured by standard methods. Fasting blood samples were drawn from the subjects for biochemical assays. Generally, hypertension prevalence [SBP > 140 mm Hg] was 74.77% in men and 68.59% in women. Men were more likely to be obese than the women. Stages II and III hypertension were more frequent in females while stage I hypertension was more frequent in males. The concurrence of hypertension, body mass index (BMI) and serum glucose were more likely in females while the simultaneous occurrence of BMI and