Risk Factors and Anthropometric Variables of Young People with Essential Hypertension in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Hypertension, a chronic medical condition is commonly seen in young people in my environment. Certain risk factors are associated with the development of this condition. They include a positive family history of hypertension, being overweight /obese, excessive alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and high salt intake. The role of micro-RNA, GRK2, CaMKIV and PIA2 are obvious in the aetio-pathogenesis of hypertension. This study was conducted to find out which of these factors have effect on hypertension on young people.

Methods: One hundred and fifty one young people diagnosed with essential hypertension (new cases) over a one year period January to December 2013 were recruited from patients attending the general outpatient clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Their age, sex, tribe, occupation and marital status were assessed. Risk factors like cigarette smoking, significant alcohol intake, adding salt to meals before eating, family history of hypertension and history of diabetes mellitus, weight, height, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference and blood pressure were assessed.

Results: A total of 151 respondents (n=151) were recruited into the study.48 respondents had stage 1 hypertension JNC 7 classification while 103 had stage 2 hypertension JNC 7 classification. More women had hypertension n=84(55.6%). Respondents with secondary level of education had more stage 1 hypertension JNC 7 classification while those respondents with tertiary education had more stage 2 hypertension JNC 7 classification. Married respondents had more of stage 2 hypertension JNC 7 classification n=56(54.4%) than stage 1 hypertension n=22(45.6%). Family history of hypertension was present in n=79(52.3%) respondents. Stage 2 hypertension JNC 7 classification was associated with having a positive family history of hypertension p=0.001. Adding extra salt to serve meals was associated with stage 1 hypertension JNC 7 classification p=0.006. Other risk factors were not significantly associated with any stage of hypertension.

Conclusion: Positive family history of hypertension and adding extra salt to serve meals were significant risk factors for hypertension in young persons in this study. So young people with positive family history of hypertension should begin early screening for detection of hypertension and reduce or refrain from adding extra salt to serve meals to reduce risk of developing hypertension.