Prevalence and determinants of normal, high-normal and high blood pressure and association with cardiovascular risk in Egypt

Abstract

Background: High-normal blood pressure (HNBP) has become associated with a 2–3-fold increase in the risk of developing hypertension. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are independently linked to HNBP. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of HNBP, its predictors, and association with CVD risk among a country-representative sample of Egyptian adults. Methods: This study draws on data from the most recent Egyptian Health Issues Survey, and includes 13 983 adults aged 18–59 years. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk score was calculated using World Health Organization CVD risk charts for participants aged ≥ 40 years. Results: Overall, 15.31% and 21.0% of the study population had HNBP and hypertension, respectively. Compared to people aged 18–30 years, the odds of HNBP were 1.36, 1.67 and 2.39 among those aged 31–40, 41–50 and 51–59 years, respectively. The odds of HNBP were higher among male, overweight and obese adults, and patients with diabetes. The odds of HNBP and hypertension were higher among participants with high WHO CVD risk than those with low WHO CVD risk. Conclusion: HNBP is an alarming risk factor among Egyptian adults because it is strongly associated with CVD risk. Policy-makers should devise long-term, effective strategies for its prevention and control.