Masked uncontrolled hypertension among elderly black sub-saharan africans compared to younger adults: a cross-sectional in-hospital study

Abstract

Background

Although aging and being of African descent are well-known risk factors for masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH), data on MUCH among elderly black sub-Saharan Africans (BSSA) are limited. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the determinants of MUCH in younger individuals differ from those in the elderly.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with MUCH in both elderly and younger BSSA individuals.

Methods

In this study, 168 patients with treated hypertension were assessed for medical history, clinical examination, fundoscopy, echocardiography, and laboratory data. All patients underwent ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring for 24 h. MUCH was diagnosed if the average 24-h mean BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg, the daytime mean BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg, and/or the nighttime mean BP ≥ 120/70 mmHg, despite controlled clinic BP (≤ 140/90 mmHg). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent factors associated with MUCH, including elderly and younger adults separately. P-values < 0.05 were used to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Of the 168 patients aged 53.6 ± 11.6 years, 92 (54.8%) were men, with a sex ratio of 1.2, and, 66 (39%) were aged ≥ 60 years. The proportion of patients with MUCH (27.4% for all patients) was significantly higher (p = 0.002) among elderly patients than among younger patients (45.5% vs. 15.7%). Diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–4.46; p = 0.043), anemia (aOR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.07–5.81; p = 0.043), hypertensive retinopathy (aOR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.57–5.4; p = 0.043), and left ventricular hypertrophy (aOR, 4.48; 95% CI, 2.26–8.35; p = 0.043) were independently associated with MUCH in the elderly. In younger individuals, male gender (aOR, 2.16; 95% CI, (1.33–4.80); p = 0.029), obesity (aOR, 3.02; 95% CI, (1.26–5.32); p = 0.001), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (aOR, 3.08; 95% CI, (2.14–6.24); p = 0.019) were independently associated with MUCH were independently associated with MUCH.

Conclusion

MUCH is more prevalent among elderly than among younger BSSA individuals. Determinants of MUCH vary by age. MUCH prevention and management strategies should be age-specific.