A profile of hypertension in urban Haitians

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been recognized by the World Health Organization as an emerging public health threat in developing countries. Hypertension is a powerful independent contributor to CVD. However, no published epidemiological data is available on the status of hypertension or CVD in Haiti. The purpose of this survey was to determine the epidemiological profile of hypertension in a population group of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A group of 382 volunteers of both genders ($>$18 years old) was selected from apparently healthy relatives and friends accompanying a sick person to private or public clinics. Three standardized blood pressure measurements, body weight and height were recorded. Person-to-person questionnaires were administered.

Prevalence of high blood pressure (160/95 mmHg) was not significantly different for males and females, 13% compared to 15%. As expected, a gradual increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with advancing age was consistently present for each sex group. Mean blood pressures were found significantly higher for subjects with a positive family history of hypertension. Of the subjects with acknowledged family history of high blood pressure, 24% were classified as having high blood pressure compared to 5% among those with no such history. These results support the theory of inheritance of hypertension. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased steadily with body mass index. Approximately 30% of the subjects with high blood pressure were identified as overweight.

The relationship between blood pressure levels and socioeconomic status was consistent with the conclusion that participants in the higher socioeconomic groups were more at risk for hypertension. These data were not sufficient to evaluate the effect of this factor using sub sample-comparisons. A lack of awareness of the consequences of high blood pressure and of the importance of blood pressure control was noted and therapeutic compliance was found almost nonexistent.

The epidemiologic profile of high blood pressure in this group is similar to that reported in other West Indian and black populations worldwide. However, in contrast to other reports, individuals of higher socioeconomic status seemed more likely to be overweight and had higher blood pressure levels particularly when associated with smoking.