PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION IN OUTPATIENT CONSULTATIONS IN A CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT IN WEST AFRICA IN DAKAR, SENEGAL...

Hypertension is a significant public health concern globally, particularly in developing countries undergoing epidemiological transitions.

This study, part of the "My Measure Month" program in collaboration with the French Society of Hypertension, aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and stress the importance of blood pressure measurement.

This was an observational and cross-sectional study conducted over one month in the outpatient department of a center specialized in hypertension management. The study included patients aged over 18 years. We examined hypertension data (duration, treatments, compliance) and cardiovascular risk factors. Three measurements were taken at one-minute intervals. A p-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The prevalence of hypertension was 45.6%, with a higher frequency in women (54.2%). The most affected age group was 50 to 70 years, with hypertension exceeding 70% in those over 70 years old. Notably, 13% of patients who were not previously diagnosed with hypertension had elevated blood pressure during the study. Repeated measurements showed variations in hypertension grades, with a decrease in patients with grade II and III hypertension. Among hypertensive patients, 93% lacked financial coverage for their medications. Despite most being on pharmacological treatment, 36.2% of hypertensive patients, particularly those on dual therapy, had uncontrolled blood pressure. Factors such as age (≥ 65 years), smoking, dyslipidaemia, and heart failure were significantly associated with hypertension.

The study concludes that an integrated approach to prevention, screening, and treatment is essential to reduce the hypertension burden and enhance the quality of life for patients.