Differences in prevalence, treatment and control rates of hypertension between male and female in the area of Blida (Algeria).

PURPOSE: To compare differences in prevalence rates, treatment and control of hypertension (AHT) between males and females in general medicine consultation in the area of Blida (Algeria).

METHODS: We included 3622 patients in the study (42% males and 58% females), with a mean age of 48.14±10.11 years, examined between January 2014 and June 2016 in general medicine consultation in the area of Blida (Algeria). Data was collected with individual questionnaires. Measurement of blood pressure was made using validated semi-automatic devices (OMRON HEM model 705CP). Individuals using antihypertensive drugs and/or blood pressure (BP) greater than or equal to 140/90mmHg were considered as hypertensives. The knowledge about the disease was identified among those who claimed to be aware of the diagnosis before the measurements. The treatment rate was calculated with those who reported using antihypertensive drugs. Controlled blood pressure was considered in individuals with values lower than 140/90mmHg. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol), and fasting blood sugar were measured. All calculations and statistical analyses are processed by the SPSS 20.0.

RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was higher among men (46.2%) than women (31.6%) (P<0.001), and among aged over 55 years (P< 0.05) and those that have referred hypertensive parents (P<0.05). Among hypertensive men, 55.7% knew the diagnosis, 63.6% of them were under treatment, and 22% had controlled BP. Among the hypertensive women 69.8% knew the diagnosis, 85.1% were under treatment and 35.6% were with controlled BP (P<0.001 for the three variables). The most frequent associated risk factors were diabetes mellitus in 36.8% of the patients, obesity in 35.7% of the patients, microalbuminuria in 23.6% of the patients, hypercholesterolemia>2g/L in 11.6% of the patients, smoking in 7.7% of them. Presence of controlled AHT was not found to be associated with presence of other risk factors. The likelihood of having AHT was higher among men, diabetics, older subjects and higher BMI.

CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the high prevalence of AHT in general medicine consultation in Blida, which is a representative city in the north of Algeria. Although women are better treated, much remains to be done to reach BP goal, much in our countries which have the least financial resources to combat cardiovascular disabilities.