Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Northern China: a Cross-Sectional Study

Aims Hypertension has always been a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension among adult residents of northern China, where people usually have a high-fat, high-salt diet and heavy alcohol consumption. Methods Through the Early Screening and Comprehensive Intervention Project for High Risk Groups of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, we collected data of 70,380 residents and assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the total population and subpopulations. Results Among participants, only 13.9% (11.7% of men and 15.4% of women) had optimal BP levels. 55.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 55.3–56.1%) of the participants had hypertension. A total 52.8% (52.3–53.3%) of patients with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis and 43.3% (42.8–43.8%) were taking antihypertensive medications. Only 8.6% (8.3–8.9%) of patients with hypertension had their BP under control, and 19.8% (19.2–20.4%) of those who were treated had their BP under control. The standardized rates of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and control under treatment were 49.4% (49.0–49.8%), 45.4% (44.9–45.9%), 35.7% (35.2%–36.2), 7.3% (7.0–7.6%), and 20.8% (20.2–21.4%), respectively. Conclusion Hypertension is highly prevalent in northern China, with inadequate awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. Even if patients with hypertension are under treatment, hypertension can remain inadequately controlled.