Regresar

Variation in hypertension prevalence using AHA-2017 criteria in adults from 2 Ecuadorian rural population

Abstract:

Objective: the objective of this study is to evaluate the variation in the prevalence of arterial hypertension (HTN) when applying the ACC/ AHA 2017 criteria in adult subjects from 2 rural populations in Ecuador. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted including 904 individuals of both sexes from the rural parishes Cumbe and Quingeo. The prevalence of HTN was determined using the JNC-7 and the ACC/ AHA 2017 criteria, calculating the relative increase in prevalence. Results: Of the 904 subjects, 62.1% (n=561) were females. The overall prevalence of HTN according to JNC-7 was 17.4%, while applying the 2017 ACC/ AHA criteria was 50.4%, with a relative prevalence increase of 189.7%. This increase was more important in men, the younger age group (18-44 years), the employees and the upper-middle class. Conclusions: there are important variations in the prevalence of HTN when using the new cut-offs points suggested by the ACC/ AHA 2017 guidelines, with a considerable increase greater than 180%. However, its short-term application in our region is not recommended, considering the unfavorable epidemiological impact it may generate.