Hypertension and risk factors in Peruvian outpatients

Hypertension has multiple risk factors that need to be identified in specific contexts to guide the prioritization and implementation of effective control strategies.

To assess the association between hypertension and risk factors in Peruvian outpatients.

An analytical, retrospective, observational study was conducted in 286 patients attending a primary healthcare center. High blood pressure and risk factor values were obtained using two diagnostic interpretation guides adapted by official institutions. Univariate analysis was performed using frequency distributions, and associations were assessed with the chi-square test for homogeneity (p<0.05) and prevalence odds ratios.

A total of 37.76% of patients had hypertension. The most frequent risk factors were low HDL cholesterol (56.29%) and elevated body mass index (60.49%). Elevated HbA1c was associated with a more than threefold increased risk of hypertension. Elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose were associated with a more than twofold increased risk in women. In men, increased waist circumference was associated with a more than threefold increased risk, and in older adults, with a more than twofold increased risk.

Context shapes the association between hypertension and risk factors, given the specific characteristics of each setting and differing social determinants.

Hypertension was significantly associated with elevated HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and waist circumference. Timely and appropriate interventions targeting the identified risk factors could slow the occurrence of hypertension.