Key result
In a population survey in northern Nicaragua, the overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.1%, with higher prevalence observed in women (32.6%) compared to men (22.5%).
Why the study?
Continually monitoring the epidemiological trends of hypertension is essential to formulate and evaluate public health measures to limit its negative effects.
Cross-Sectional (n=577)
No
Hypertension is highly prevalent in this northern Nicaraguan town, with low control rates despite relatively high awareness and treatment, particularly among men.
Indicates substantial hypertension burden in northern Nicaragua; cross-sectional data leaves open determinants, trends, and control strategies.
Background and aims Hypertension is considered the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with high levels of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. The negative effects of hypertension and its complications are preventable if those at risk are appropriately treated and controlled. Continually monitoring the epidemiological trends of hypertension is essential to formulate and evaluate public health measures to limit its negative effects. The herein presented Elieth‐HIFARI study sought to estimate the prevalence of hypertension, as well as the prevalence of related awareness, treatment, and control in a small town in Central America. Methods A population survey to assess cardiovascular risk was conducted (n = 577, 55.3% women, mean age 42.4 years) in the municipality of San Rafael del Norte in northern Nicaragua, between November 2016 and March 2017, based on the STEPwise method by the World Health Organization and the recommendations by the World Hypertension League. Results The overall prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control was 28.1%, 72.2%, 68.5%, and 36.4%, respectively. Men had a lower prevalence of all indicators (22.5%, 60.3%, 53.4%, and 24.1%, respectively) compared with women (32.6%, 78.8%, 76.9%, and 43.3%, respectively). The median systolic blood pressure was 118.5 mm Hg (20.5 interquartile range [IQR]) (men: 123.0 mm Hg vs women: 115.5 mm Hg, Mann‐Whitney U test P < .001), and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 78.0 mm Hg (13 IQR) (men: 77.0, women: 78.0). Conclusion Hypertension is highly prevalent in San Rafael del Norte, while control rates are low despite the relatively higher levels of awareness and treatment. Furthermore, women have much higher prevalence of hypertension than men, along with higher awareness, treatment, and control. However, the control rate for those treated for hypertension was low, irrespective of sex.
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Valladares et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=577). Cardiovascular risk survey was evaluated on Overall prevalence of hypertension. In a population survey in northern Nicaragua, the overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.1%, with higher prevalence observed in women (32.6%) compared to men (22.5%).
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