Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mean levels of blood pressure and hypertension (140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic pressure or treatment for hypertension) in a sample of non random ambulatory subjects attending Regional Hospital in Ngaoundéré (Adamawa region, Cameroon) and to evaluate conventional risk factors for hypertension in patients diagnosed with hypertension. 233 patients were examined, 115 men and 118 women. Based on the mean blood pressure recorded, 117 subjects constituting 56 (47.9%) men and 61 (52.1%) women had hypertension. The mean age and standard deviation for males and females were 53.0±10.6 and 50.1±12.4 respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated at 48.7% among menand 51.7% among women. The average systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse blood pressure (PP) were 178.9±4.6, 106.5±2.9 and 72.0±3.7 mmHg respectively among hypertensives. Men and women showed no significant difference in SBP, DBP, and PP levels. Analyzing conventional risk factors for hypertension, we found over 90% of subjects with at least one risk factor. Among the classical risk factors for hypertension, lack of exercise and weight abnormality appears to be the predominant risk factors for hypertension before alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking.

Key words: Hypertension, Adamawa, risk factors, blood pressure levels.