Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a major health concern in developed and developing countries. Its prevalence is high in Nigeria and accounts for a great percentage of hospital visits and admissions. Hypertension is a chief risk factor for cardiovascular events. Independent risks factors, some of which are implicated in the pathogenesis and aetiology of hypertension also affects cardiovascular outcomes. Objective: To assess some individual cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients on treatment at the medical outpatient of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This was an analytical cross sectional study. One hundred and fifty patients and controls were recruited. Fasting venous blood specimens were obtained for analysis. Blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Age and gender were noted. Results: The hypertensive patients had increased Body Mass Index, central obesity, increased fasting plasma glucose and dyslipidaemia when compared to the controls. Conclusion: Majority of patients in this study had multiple cardiovascular risks and are therefore prone to cardiovascular events. Keywords: Independent risks, Dyslipidaemia, Obesity, Hyperinsulinaemia, Cardiac dysfunction, High Blood Pressure