Prevalence of Prehypertension Among Adults in Baghdad/Iraq

Prehypertension (defined as systolic pressure of 120-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure of 80-89 mmHg) may impose a substantial burden and future public health challenge. Prehypertension is associated with a high risk of progression to hypertension and subsequent cardiovascular complications, with a 40% five-years progression rate. In those people, lowering blood pressure helps prevent progression to frank hypertension and subsequent target organ damage. In Iraq, the prevalence of hypertension is about 35.6%, and the blood pressure in one-third was uncontrolled. To our knowledge, there are no studies addressing prehypertension in Iraq. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prehypertension among adults in Baghdad/Iraq.

This cross-sectional study enrolled 424 adults (18 years old and above) recruited from randomly selected primary healthcare centers distributed throughout the city of Baghdad (capital of Iraq) using a multistage sampling technique. Blood pressure was measured (two readings were taken 10-min apart, and the mean value for both systolic and diastolic readings was calculated in millimeters of mercury). Those with a history of hypertension, on antihypertensive treatment or pregnant women were excluded from the study.

The prevalence of prehypertension was 31.0%. There was a significant difference in the preHTN group between normal and high waist circumference (32.1% vs. 49.0%, p = 0.04). Predicted mean blood pressure was significantly correlated with both body mass index and waist circumference (p < 0.001, R-squared = 0.03). The adjusted multiple logistic regression model shows a significant association of prehypertension with male sex (OR = 2.72, CI = 1.65 to 6.41), high fasting glucose, and high cholesterol level.

Prehypertension (as well as risk factors) is highly prevalent among Iraqi adults. Targeted screening programs, lifestyle modifications, and more focus are needed.