Prevalence of Hypertension in Venezuela: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

There are no studies that quantitatively synthesize epidemiological data on hypertension (HT) in Venezuela. To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of population-based studies on the prevalence of HT in Venezuela. For this, a literature search was conducted across the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar, from January 2004 to December 2024, in both English and Spanish. A meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model with inverse variance weighting. Publication bias was analyzed using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test. A subgroup analysis was conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Our systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the qualitative methodological evaluation of each study was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Of 13 potentially relevant studies, after sensitivity analysis regarding heterogeneity, 7 studies were retained for the final pooled prevalence estimate and quantitative synthesis. The pooled prevalence of HT was 42% (95% CI: 39%-46%, I² = 98.6%), based on a global sample of 83 369 individuals. This prevalence was higher in men 41% (95% CI: 33%-49%; I² = 97.6%), individuals of ≥50 years 45% (95% CI: 42%-48%; I² = 98.6%), and studies with a national scope 49% (95% CI: 48%-50%; I² = 62.6%). Our findings showed that 4 out of 10 Venezuelan adults suffer from HT, a rate exceeding that reported in most regional and global studies.