Hospitalizations in Niger (West Africa) for complications from arterial hypertension

Fifty-four patients hospitalized in Niger for complications from hypertension between September 1988 and October 1989 were studied. The following complications were observed: left ventricular hypertrophy (56%), coronary vascular defect (35%), left heart deficiency (26%), cardiac failure (32%), retinopathy (56%), renal insufficiency (35%), and stroke (24%). The most frequent risk factor was Type A personality (76%), followed by stress (48%), excess weight (37%), tobacco use (35%), hyperuricemia (35%), hypercholesteremia (17%), and diabetes (15%). Complications from hypertension may well become a major problem for African countries as they develop.