Hypertension in Sierra Leone stroke population.

A retrospective study of 87 hospitalized Sierra Leonean stroke patients is presented. The mean age was 50.9 years with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Hypertension was present in 68% of patients but only in those above 30 years of age. It was also more prevalent in females than males. Mean arterial pressure increased with age up to 40 years after which is remained constant. Thirteen patients died during admission. Fatal cases were significantly older (p < 0.001), and had a higher mean arterial pressure (p < 0.05) than survivors. It is considered that hypertension is a greater risk factor in stroke in the West Africans than in other African regional groups. The historical relationship between the West African and black American, who also have a high prevalence of hypertension, is recognized and discussed. More research on hypertension and stroke in populations such as these may reveal important clues to the aetiology and pathogenesis of these serious vascular disorders.