BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS IN DUTSE, NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

AIM: Background: High blood pressure is an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular, renal and cardiovascular disease. According to World Health Organization treatment to target Blood Pressure (BP) of <140/90 mmHg has been associated with decrease in morbidity and mortality. Despite this BP control has been very poor even in developed economies. OBJECTIVE: We set to assess level of BP control among hypertensive patients on treatment in Dutse, Jigawa state, and to identify treatable causes of failure to achieve target for better management. METHODS: It is a cross sectional study of all hypertensives for more than one year attending medical out patients clinic who have consented. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the patients. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients of which 45% were females with mean age, duration of hypertension of 51.9 and 5.9 years respectively and BMI of 40.9Kg/ m(2). Eighty-three per cent, 91% and 94% were aware of salt restriction, cessation of smoking and alcohol moderation as lifestyle modifications respectively. The mean Systolic and Diastolic BP were 142mmHg and 86mmHg respectively. Fifty-two per cent were on two drugs combination including a diuretic while 4.87% were on three drugs or more. Less than a third (27.6%) had their BP controlled at <140/90mmHg. There was no significant difference in the demographic and clinical data between patients with controlled and uncontrolled BP. CONCLUSION: This study found that control of BP is still poor in our setting. This could be due to physician inertia in the treatment, use of inappropriate combination of anti hypertensives or failure to reinforce lifestyle modifications.