Cardiovascular disease risk among hypertensive patients and associated determinants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institutional-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the level of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and associated factors among hypertensive patients having follow-up at selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022. SETTING: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public and tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 15 January 2022 to 30 July 2022. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 326 adult hypertensive patients who visited the chronic diseases clinic for follow-up were included in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: A high predicted 10-year CVD risk level was assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and physical measurement (primary data) and reviews of medical data records (secondary data) by using a non-laboratory WHO risk prediction chart. Logistic regression with an adjusted OR (AOR) using a 95% CI was calculated for independent variables associated with 10-year CVD risk. RESULTS: The prevalence of a high predicted 10-year CVD risk level was 28.2% (95% CI 10.34% to 33.2%) among the study participants. A higher CVD risk level was found to be associated with age (AOR 4.2 for age 64–74, 95% CI 1.67 to 10.66), being male (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.18, 3.67), unemployment (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.25) and stage 2 systolic blood pressure (AOR 11.32; 95% CI 3.43 to 37.46). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the respondent’s age, gender, occupation and high systolic blood pressure were determinant factors for CVD risks. Therefore, routine screening for the presence of CVD risk factors and assessment of CVD risk are recommended for hypertensive patients for CVD risk reduction.