ARTERIAL-HYPERTENSION IN THE ADULT-POPULATION OF GUADELOUPE, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN SUBJECTS OF AFRICAN ORIGIN

This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in Guadeloupe, the French West Indies, and to evaluate the risk factors a ssociated with hypertension in the largest ethnic group, that of Afric an origin. Households were randomly selected using a two-stage systema tic sample of districts and then of houses; all adults aged 18 years i n the household were included. In total, 1 043 men and women were stud ied. Blood pressure, plasma glucose concentrations and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity were measured, hypertensive treatment and lifesty le factors recorded. The prevalence of hypertension, age-standardized to the Guadeloupe population was 21 % and 26 % in men and women of Afr ican origin, 28 % and 22 % in those of Indian-origin and 18 % and 16 % for other origins. The vast majority of subjects were unaware of thei r hypertension (90 % of men, 74 % of women). After adjustment for age, factors associated with high blood pressure in the 826 adults of Afri can origin were : obesity, hyperglycemia, low educational level and fa mily history of hypertension and of stroke. Additional factors in wome n were alcohol consumption, gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, physi cal inactivity, occupational category and a retired status, even after adjustment for age. Measures must be taken to diagnose hypertension e arly, particularly in individuals of African and Indian origin. An eff ective education program is needed, with an emphasis on life-style fac tors associated with obesity : diet and physical activity.