Prevalence of hypertension and its complications among medical admissions at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (Study 2).

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prevalence pattern of hypertension and its complications among medical admissions and compare the findings with those of a previous study conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

METHOD

A review of all the admissions into the medical wards of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, between December 1998 and November 2003, was done.

RESULTS

Of the 7399 patients admitted during the period, 1360 (18.4%) had hypertension related diseases. These were 798 (58.7%) males and 562 (41.3%) females, giving a male: female ratio of 1.4:1. There was a progressive increase in the age-specific prevalence of hypertension cases with advancing age, but presenting with only 6 (0.4%) patients in the over 90 years age group. Hypertensive congestive heart failure accounted for 26.5% of the cases and 46.1% of the hypertensive complications. Myocardial infarction was documented in 7 patients. Hypertension with its complications, contributed more than two thirds (69.6%) of the cardiovascular system admissions.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hypertension, with its complications, is increasing, when compared with a previous study. This calls for a multifaceted approach aimed at ensuring the achievement of better blood pressure control, so as to obviate the attendant complications.