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The ethnic prevalence of hypertension in a diabetic clinic
Insights
A significant 40% of diabetic patients under 65 have hypertension. Black diabetics and females of all ethnicities showed higher hypertension rates, emphasizing the need for regular blood pressure checks in this population.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a common comorbidity in diabetic patients.
- Diabetic populations exhibit varying hypertension prevalence across different ethnic groups.
- Effective management of hypertension is crucial for preventing diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hypertension in diabetic clinic attendees under 65.
- To investigate ethnic and gender-specific differences in hypertension prevalence among diabetics.
- To assess the control of blood pressure in diabetic patients receiving antihypertensive therapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for hypertension diagnosis.
- Conducted a study on randomly selected diabetic clinic attendees under 65.
- Analyzed hypertension prevalence based on ethnicity (Black, White, Asian) and gender.
Main Results:
- 40% of diabetic patients under 65 met the criteria for hypertension.
- Black diabetics exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension compared to White and Asian diabetics (P < 0.001).
- Hypertension was more common in Black and White females than males (P < 0.001); systolic hypertension was most prevalent across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Routine blood pressure monitoring is essential for all diabetic patients under 65.
- Particular attention should be given to females of all ethnic groups and Black males due to higher hypertension risks.
- Current antihypertensive therapy appears insufficient, as a majority of treated diabetics still have elevated blood pressure.
Abstract:
Using the WHO criteria of hypertension, we have demonstrated that 40% of randomly selected diabetic clinic attenders under the age of 65 were hypertensive. Black diabetics had a significantly greater prevalence (P less than 0.001) of hypertension than either white or Asian diabetics. Hypertension was commoner in black and white females compared with males (P less than 0.001); in Asians this difference was not statistically significant. Systolic hypertension was the most common form in all ethnic groups. Only 38.7% of diabetics receiving antihypertensive therapy had normal blood pressure readings. Blood pressure measurement should therefore be routinely performed in all diabetic patients under the age of 65, particularly in females of all ethnic groups and in black males.