Primary hypertension in young adults (18-40 years) in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is defined as a blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg. The prevalence and mortality from HTN, globally and locally, have been on the increase since the 1980s. This study aimed to detect young adults (18-40 years) in Enugu State who are hypertensive, in order to raise the awareness that HTN is also common in young adults. Its early diagnosis and management could help to reverse the trend in the number of cases of HTN in Nigeria which had been predicted could hit 39.1 million by 2030 if the present trend is allowed to continue.Methods: Participants were administered with structured questionnaire. Their BPs, heights and weights were measured using sphygmomanometer, stadiometer and scale balance respectively. Data were analyzed as proportions, Pearson product moment correlations and Chi square tests using MaxStat (version 3.60) statistical software.Results: The overall prevalence of HTN was 21.3%; 20.7% in the 18-29 years age group; 25.9% in the 30-40 years age group; 24.3%, in males; and 20.3% in females. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient r between age and HTN=0.462, between sex and HTN=0.328, between family history and HTN = 0.513, between salt intake and HTN=0.613, between BMI and HTN=0.152, between physical activity and HTN=0.293, between smoking and HTN=0.308.Conclusions: HTN in young adults is more common than previously thought and if unmanaged in early life usually progresses to HTN later in life.