Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

17.8K

Pre-hypertension in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Fred Nuwaha1, Geofrey Musinguzi

  • 1Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P,O, Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. nuwahaf@yahoo.co.uk.

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|November 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Over one-third of Ugandan adults have pre-hypertension, a condition linked to cardiovascular disease risk. Key risk factors include age, male sex, smoking, alcohol, and obesity, highlighting the need for public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pre-hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120 to <140 mmHg or diastolic BP of 80 to <90 mmHg, is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Understanding pre-hypertension determinants is crucial for prevention and control, especially in low-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of pre-hypertension in an adult Ugandan population.
  • To identify risk factors associated with pre-hypertension and hypertension in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional community survey analyzed data from 4142 adults (≥18 years) in Uganda.
  • Blood pressure was measured, and risk factors including smoking, alcohol use, weight status, physical activity, sex, age, marital status, residence, and diet were assessed.
  • Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare groups with normotension, pre-hypertension, and hypertension.

Main Results:

  • The age-standardized prevalence was: normal BP 37.6%, pre-hypertension 33.9%, and hypertension 28.5%. Raised blood pressure affected 62% of the population.
  • Pre-hypertension was more prevalent in men (41.6%) than women (29.4%).
  • Risk factors for pre-hypertension included age ≥40 years, smoking, alcohol consumption, not being married, male sex, and overweight/obesity. Hypertension risk increased with age, inactivity, urban residence, and overweight/obesity.

Conclusions:

  • More than one in three adults in the surveyed Ugandan population exhibited pre-hypertension.
  • The findings underscore the urgent need for preventive and public health strategies to mitigate the prevalence of raised blood pressure.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

1.7K
Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes07:22

Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes

Published on: March 7, 2025

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
891
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
1.2K
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
1.8K
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
690
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
3.8K
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
1.0K