Prevalence and risk factors associated with prehypertension: identification of foci for primary prevention of hypertension

A Physical Health Profile of Youths Living with a "Hikikomori" Lifestyle

A cross-sectional study was designed to understand the impacts of "hikikomori" lifestyle on physical health. A total of 104 eligible hikikomori cases were recruited from the social services network of Hong Kong with a mean age of 19.02 ± 3.62 (ranged 13-31) year-old, and had completed the set of questionnaires and a series of anthropometric and physical health measurements. Despite SF36 score of 84.0 indicated good physical functioning in general, participants were lived sedentarily with high incidence of hypertension at 15.4% and prehypertension at 31.7%. Occurrence of hypertension and prehypertension in cases living as hikikomori >6 months were 3 times and 1.5 times higher than those newly onset cases, respectively. The blood pressure levels were correlated with age and all obesity index parameters measured including waist circumference and body mass index. Results also observed a shift of body weight from underweight to overweight and obesity along the hikikomori duration. Half of the hypertensive cases involved the elevation of systolic blood pressure, which suggested higher odds of cardiovascular complications. In conclusion, the hikikomori lifestyle could be a risk behavior that may harm the younger generation physically by promoting obesity and hypertension and probably other chronic illnesses.

Should Pre-hypertension Be Treated?

Hypertension is an important preventable risk factor for disease and death worldwide. In light of the world's population growth and aging, hypertension is a global public health issue. Many studies have shown associations between pre-hypertension and a higher risk of the future development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in general populations. However, pre-hypertension per se is not a disease with an immediate high risk, and the clinical value of the identification of pre-hypertension is the potential detection of the early stage of the risk of hypertension and/or cardiovascular disease over an individual's lifespan. We recently assessed the impacts of age-related differences in risk factors on new-onset hypertension among normotensive individuals. As risk factors of the new onset of hypertension, the impact of diastolic blood pressure compared with systolic blood pressure (SBP), men compared with women, and higher body mass index were greater in the younger adults, whereas in the older adults, the impact of SBP and female sex were greater. Proteinuria was a risk factor for hypertension in both younger and older adults. Non-pharmacological approaches such as body weight reduction, low-salt diet, physical exercise, and good sleep hygiene should be first-line treatments for pre-hypertension. In addition, careful observation to detect the new onset of hypertension and the identification of the appropriate timing of pharmacologic treatment should be conducted, especially in adults with pre-hypertension and the risk factors mentioned above.

Serum uric acid is an independent predictor for developing prehypertension: a population-based prospective cohort study

Although the prevalence of prehypertension is rapidly increasing in China, the medical community has paid little attention to its prevention. Prior studies have demonstrated that uric acid directly contributes to vascular remodelling and endothelial dysfunction. However, few prospective studies have assessed the relationship between serum uric acid and prehypertension. We therefore designed a larger-scale cohort study to examine whether uric acid level is a predictive factor for developing prehypertension in adults. Participants were recruited from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital-Health Management Centre. A prospective assessment (n=15 143) was performed. Participants without a history of hypertension or prehypertension were followed up for 2 to 6 years with a median follow-up duration of 2.8 years. Serum uric acid levels and blood pressure were assessed yearly during the follow-up. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess relationships between the quintiles of uric acid levels and the incidence of prehypertension. The incidence of prehypertension was 191 per 1000 person-years. In the final multivariate models, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for prehypertension across uric acid quintiles were 1.00 (reference), 0.98 (0.90-1.07), 1.01 (0.93-1.10), 1.09 (1.001-1.20) and 1.17 (1.06-1.29) (P for trend <0.001), respectively. This population-based prospective cohort study has demonstrated that uric acid level is an independent predictor for developing prehypertension.

The prevalence and heterogeneity of prehypertension: a meta-analysis and meta-regression of published literature worldwide

Objective

Prehypertension appears to be a precursor of hypertension and has been recognised as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recognition of prehypertension provides important opportunities for preventing hypertension and CVD. We aimed to investigate the world-wide prevalence and heterogeneity of prehypertension.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies worldwide that reported the prevalence of prehypertension. We searched for publications between January 1966 and November 2010, using PubMed, Ovid and the Cochrane Library, with the keyword ‘prehypertension’, supplemented by a manual search of references from recent reviews and relevant published original studies. Pooled prevalence of prehypertension was calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was investigated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Twenty-two articles met our inclusion criteria, with a total sample of 242 322 individuals.

Results

The overall pooled prevalence of prehypertension was 38%. Significant heterogeneity across estimates of prevalence was observed (p = 0.000, I² = 99.9%). The prevalence rose as the sample size increased, and was higher among men than women (41 vs 34%). The non-Asian population was more likely to be prehypertensive than Asian individuals (42 vs 36%). A high prevalence of 47% was observed among the black African population in the non-Asian subgroup. The inception year of the surveys was the only source of heterogeneity we found by meta-regressional analysis (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

These results indicate that the prevalence of prehypertension was relatively high, particularly among males. Although more attention has been paid to this segment of the population since 2003, additional practical and reasonable steps should be taken to prevent and treat prehypertension.

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

Background

Hypertension, 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.

Methods

Participants 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.

Results

The 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.

Conclusions

The 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.

Association Between Family History and Hypertension Among Chinese Elderly

This study aimed to evaluate the association between family history and prevalence of hypertension among Chinese community elderly, and also explore the gender difference. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Miyun district of Beijing, in 2014. The family history information was obtained from each subject and was divided into 3 categories, no family history (FH0), 1 generation of first-degree relatives with hypertension (FH1), and 2 generations of first-degree relatives with hypertension (FH2). The prevalence of hypertension was 53.0%. Participants with positive family history had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (67.5%, 95% CI: 63.3-71.7) than those without (47.9%, 95% CI: 45.2-50.6), and even among participants without hypertension, the blood pressure levels were higher with positive FH. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a significantly linear-trend increase in hypertension according to family history of first degree relative numbers was observed in both genders (P for trend < 0.001). This study suggests that family history had not only a significant but also graded association with hypertension and with blood pressure levels, and this association exists even among those without hypertension.

The Epidemiology of Hypertension in Uganda: Findings from the National Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factor Survey

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is an important contributor to global burden of disease and mortality, and is a growing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. However, most sub-Saharan African countries lack detailed countrywide data on hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors that would provide benchmark information for design of appropriate interventions. We analyzed blood pressure data from Uganda's nationwide NCD risk factor survey conducted in 2014, to describe the prevalence and distribution of hypertension in the Ugandan population, and to identify the associated factors.

METHODS

The NCD risk factor survey drew a countrywide sample stratified by the four regions of the country, and with separate estimates for rural and urban areas. The World Health Organization's STEPs tool was used to collect data on demographic and behavioral characteristics, and physical and biochemical measurements. Prevalence rate ratios (PRR) using modified Poison regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with hypertension.

RESULTS

Of the 3906 participants, 1033 were classified as hypertensive, giving an overall prevalence of 26.4%. Prevalence was highest in the central region at 28.5%, followed by the eastern region at 26.4%, western region at 26.3%, and northern region at 23.3%. Prevalence in urban areas was 28.9%, and 25.8% in rural areas. The differences between regions, and between rural-urban areas were not statistically significant. Only 7.7% of participants with hypertension were aware of their high blood pressure. The prevalence of pre-hypertension was also high at 36.9%. The only modifiable factor found to be associated with hypertension was higher body mass index (BMI). Compared to participants with BMI less than 25 kg/m2, prevalence was significantly higher among participants with BMI between 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 with an adjusted PRR = 1.46 [95% CI = 1.25-1.71], and even higher among obese participants (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with an adjusted PRR = 1.60 [95% CI = 1.29-1.99]. The un-modifiable factor found to be associated with hypertension was older age with an adjusted PRR of 1.02 [95% CI = 1.02-1.03] per yearly increase in age.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertension in Uganda is high, with no significant differences in distribution by geographical location. Only 7.7% of persons with hypertension were aware of their hypertension, indicating a high burden of undiagnosed and un-controlled high blood pressure. Thus a big percentage of persons with hypertension are at high risk of hypertension-related cardiovascular NCDs.

Prevalence and predictors of adult hypertension in Kabul, Afghanistan

Background

The prevalence of hypertension is rising worldwide with an estimated one billion people now affected globally and is of near epidemic proportions in many parts of South Asia. Recent turmoil has until recently precluded estimates in Afghanistan so we sought, therefore, to establish both prevalence predictors in our population.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults ≥40 years of age in Kabul from December 2011-March 2012 using a multistage sampling method. Additional data on socioeconomic and lifestyle factors were collected as well as an estimate of glycaemic control. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken to explore the association between hypertension and potential predictors.

Results

A total of 1183 adults (men 396, women 787) of ≥ 40years of age were assessed. The prevalence of hypertension was 46.2% (95% CI 43.5 – 49.3). Independent predictors of hypertension were found to be: age ≥50 (OR = 3.86, 95% CI: 2.86 – 5.21); illiteracy (OR = 1.90, 1.05 – 1.90); the consumption of rice >3 times per week (OR = 1.43, 1.07 – 1.91); family history of diabetes (OR = 2.20, 1.30 – 3.75); central obesity (OR = 1.67, 1.23 – 2.27); BMI ≥ 30 Kg/meter squared (OR = 2.08, 1.50 – 2.89). The consumption of chicken and fruit more than three times per week were protective with ORs respectively of 0.73 (0.55-0.97) and 0.64 (0.47 – 0.86).

Conclusions

Hypertension is a major public health problem in Afghan adults. We have identified a number of predictors which have potential for guiding interventions.

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases in the Adult Population of Urban Areas in Kabul City, Afghanistan

BACKGROUND

Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global problem. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common risk factors for NCDs among the adult population in urban areas of Kabul city, Afghanistan.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study was conducted from December 2011 through March 2012 and involved a survey of 1169 respondents, aged 40 years and above. Multistage cluster sampling was used for participant selection, followed by random sampling of the participants. The World Health Organization STEPwise approachfor Surveillance (STEPS) was modified and used for this study.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of smoking was 5.1% (14.7% men versus 0.3% women) and using mouth snuff was 24.4% in men and 1.3% in women. The prevalence of obesity and hypertension were 19.1% and 45.2 % in men and 37.3% and 46.5% in women. Prevalence of diabetes was 16.1% in men and 12% in women. The overall prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 31.2%, 46% and 13.3%, respectively. On average, subjects consumed 3.37 servings of fruit and 2.96 servings of leafy vegetables per week. Mean walking and sitting hours per week (as proxies for physical activity) were 19.4 and 20.5, respectively. A multivariate model demonstrated that age was a significant risk factor for obesity (OR=1.86), diabetes (OR=2/09) and hypertension (OR=4.1). Obesity was significantly associated with sex (OR=1.65).

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the need for interventions to reduce and prevent risk factors of non-communicable diseases in urban areas of Kabul City, Afghanistan.

Blood pressure relation to body composition and age: analysis of a nurse-led investigation and consultation program

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP) increases with age and obesity. We have assessed the relative contribution of age and fatness to BP regulation in a healthy population investigated by nurse practitioners.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Preventive investigation and counseling was offered at the entrance hall of the regional authority´s office in the town of Nitra by 2 nursing specialists who investigated 120 men and 276 women. In men the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 kg/m2, mean weight was 84.4 kg, mean fat percentage was 23.3, mean age was 46.1 years, mean systolic BP was 133.1 mmHg, and mean diastolic BP was 82.5 mmHg. In women the mean BMI was 24.8 kg/m2, mean weight was 67.3 kg, mean fat percentage was 29.4, mean age was 45.4 years, mean systolic BP was 127.7 mmHg, and mean diastolic BP was 78.5 mmHg. Correlation analysis was performed and in multiple regression analysis we used BP values as the dependent variable and fat percentage and age as independent variables. Normality of variables distribution was checked and found satisfactorily.

RESULTS

Most of the subjects had an untreated component of metabolic syndrome. There was a correlation between BP values, age, and percent body fat. BP was regulated only to a certain degree by fatness and age, with the influence being relatively small. Our results showed that BP was more influenced by fatness than age, and body fatness was more related to higher systolic than to diastolic BP.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and fatness could explain BP values by only 3-30%, although BP was more influenced by fatness than by age. Nurse practitioners can effectively detect and motivate people with metabolic syndrome.

Prehypertension in dyslipidemic individuals; relationship to metabolic parameters and intima-media thickness

INTRODUCTION

Like hypertension, prehypertension is associated with cardiovascular disease.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate: a) the prevalence of prehypertension/hypertension in individuals with various dyslipidemic phenotypes; b) the relation between blood pressure (BP) and other risk factors for atherosclerosis; c) atherogenic potential of prehypertension by the assessment of intima-media thickness of the arteria carotis communis (IMT).

METHODS

667 clinically asymptomatic subjects were divided into four dyslipidemic phenotypes (DLP) according to apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triglycerides (TG): DLP1 (n=198, normo-apoB/normo-TG), DLP2 (n=179, normo-apoB/hyper-TG), DLP3 (n=87, hyper-apoB/normo-TG), DLP4 (n=203, hyper-apoB/hyper-TG). DLP1 served as a control group.

RESULTS

There was significantly higher prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in subjects with dyslipidemia (DLP2 43.0%, 41.3%; DLP3 42.5%, 29.9%; DLP4 42.4%, 47.8%) than in normolipidemic individuals (DLP1 32.8%, 20.2%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP + DBP) correlated with age, total cholesterol, TG, non-HDL-cholesterol, body mass index and waist circumference; SBP additionally with C-peptide, fasting glycemia; DBP additionally with apoB, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. The IMT of hypertensive and of prehypertensive subjects was higher than that of subjects with normal BP in all DLPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of prehypertension was higher in all dyslipidemic patients. The common prevalence of prehypertension/hypertension was highest in the hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Prehypertensive and hypertensive patients had higher IMT than normotensive individuals in all DLPs.

Prevalence, risk factors, and management of prehypertension

Prehypertension remains an important public health challenge all over the world and appropriate treatments should be adopted to prehypertensive group in different degree effectively. This review aimed to assess the prevalence of Prehypertension and provide effective evidence of the benefits of treating prehypertensive patients. The reasonable evaluation and appropriate intervention of prehypertensive remain need further study.