Prevalence and medical care of hypertension in four ethnic groups in the newly-industrialized nation of Mauritius.

Prevalence of hypertension was investigated in Mauritius in 2362 men and 2712 women among Hindu and Muslim Indian, Creole and Chinese ethnic groups aged 25-74 years. The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension varied from 9.4% to 17.3% in men and from 9.5% to 16.9% in women among the four ethnic groups and increased with age. The population mean values of systolic/diastolic blood pressure were 126/79 mmHg in men and 124/75 mmHg in women. The proportion of hypertensive persons aware of their condition was 50.5% in men and 66.6% in women. The proportion of treated and adequately controlled hypertensive patients was only 21.7% in men and 29.3% in women. Creoles had the highest mean value of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the highest prevalence of hypertension whilst Muslim Asian Indians had the lowest values both in men and women. Further studies are needed to define the determinants of hypertension in the multi-ethnic Mauritian population. Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension need to be improved, especially in men and the Creole ethnic group.