BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS IN DUTSE, NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular, renal, and cardiovascular diseases.
• The World Health Organization recommends a target blood pressure of <140/90 mmHg to reduce morbidity and mortality.
• Despite established guidelines, effective blood pressure control remains a challenge, even in developed countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients receiving treatment in Dutse, Jigawa State.
• To identify potentially treatable factors contributing to the failure to achieve target blood pressure levels.
• To inform strategies for improved hypertension management in the region.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted involving hypertensive patients receiving care for over one year at a medical outpatient clinic.
• Informed consent was obtained from all participants.
• Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The study included 123 patients (45% female) with a mean age of 51.9 years and a mean duration of hypertension of 5.9 years. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 40.9 Kg/m².
• Awareness of lifestyle modifications was high (salt restriction 83%, smoking cessation 91%, alcohol moderation 94%).
• Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 142 mmHg and 86 mmHg, respectively. Only 27.6% of patients achieved the target BP of <140/90 mmHg. Most patients (52%) were on a two-drug combination, including a diuretic.

Conclusions:

• Blood pressure control among hypertensive patients in this setting is suboptimal.
• Potential contributing factors include physician inertia, suboptimal antihypertensive drug combinations, and inadequate reinforcement of lifestyle modifications.
• There is a critical need to enhance hypertension management protocols and patient education to improve clinical outcomes.