Target organ damage and associated clinical conditions among Nigerians with treated hypertension

Abstract

Aim: Systemic hypertension is the commonest noncommunicable disease in Nigeria. Hypertension is linked with certain target organ damage (TOD) and associated clinical conditions (ACC). This study assessed the extent, pattern and predictors of TOD/ACC in patients with hypertension in Nigeria.

Methods: The study was carried out at the medical outpatient department of a state hospital in Nigeria. Target organ damage was assessed in these patients. Predictors of TOD/ACC were also sought.

Results: A total of 203 patients [73 men (36.0%) and 130 women (64.0%)] constituted the study population. One hundred and twenty-two patients (60.1%) had TOD/ACC. The prevalent TOD/ACC were left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (31.0%), chronic kidney disease (18.2%), diabetic nephropathy (18.2%), heart failure (10.8%) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (8.9%). There was a statistically significant association between systolic blood pressure and TOD/ACC. Patients with over all blood pressure (BP) control (i.e. BP < 140/90 mmHg) had more TOD compared with those that had overall uncontrolled BP (i.e. BP > or = 140/90 mmHg) although the difference was not statistically significant (Chi2= 1.5, p > 0.05). The association between length of treatment and TOD/ACC approached significance ( Chi2= 9.35, p = 0.053).

Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of TOD/ACC in treated hypertensives. A positive association was shown between systolic BP and TOD/ACC. Early detection of hypertension and strict blood pressure control should help in reducing TOD/ACC in the hypertensive population.