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Hypertension represents a major global health burden. While older individuals of African descent are at higher risk of hypertension in western countries, epidemiologic data on hypertension in older native Africans are scarce. We assessed the prevalence and the level of awareness and control of hypertension among older adults in Central Africa. A total of 1990 individuals aged 65 years and older from the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic participated into a cross-sectional population-based survey. Hypertension was defined by self-reporting of ongoing treatment and/or systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure at rest being ≥140 and/or 90 mm Hg. Controlled hypertension was defined as treated hypertension with systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 61.1%. Among hypertensive people, 46.7% were aware of their condition and 17.3% were treated. Among the latter, 23.8% had their hypertension controlled. Correlates of hypertension were increasing age and body mass index, living in the Republic of Congo, occupation other than employee, no tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, and ≥3 meals a day. Our findings indicate a need for the implementation of public health policies to reduce hypertension in older Africans and to prevent the subsequent burden of cardiovascular diseases.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jash.2017.04.013

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Am Soc Hypertens

Publication Date

07/2017

Volume

11

Pages

449 - 460

Keywords

Elderly, epidemiology, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Antihypertensive Agents, Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Central African Republic, Congo, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Hypertension, Male, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Sedentary Behavior