Hypertension in the Young: A Post-Hoc Analysis of Two Studies in Enugu State

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disease among the young Nigerians. Little is known about urban-rural differences in the pattern hypertension in the young Nigerians. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of hypertension in young Nigerians in a rural and urban settings and to establish the differences between them if any. METHODS: Data for the index study was retrieved from two previous studies. Blood pressures were measured according to the guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension. RESULTS: Data from 605 participants were included in the study: urban 360 (59.7%) and rural 245 (40.5%). Males were 158 (21.6%) and females were 447 (73.9%). The mean age of the populations was (urban 30 ± 6 years and rural 29.2 ± 0.63 years P = 0.47). The overall prevalence of hypertension in this study was 35.9% (217/605), similar in urban (36.1%) and rural (35.9%) dwellers P = 0.88. Forty-two (6.9%) were previously diagnosed (urban 39 (30%) and rural 3 (3.4%), P < 0.01. About 66.7% were controlled (urban 25 (64.1%) and rural 3 (100%). Urban dwellers have significantly higher rates of raised diastolic blood pressure compared to rural dwellers, who had higher rates of systolic blood pressure. In both locations, although there was no sex difference in the prevalence of hypertension, hypertension significantly increased with age. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of hypertension in rural and urban middle-aged Nigerians in Enugu southeast Nigeria. Continuous educational programs will be important in reducing both the morbidity and complications of hypertension in the future.