Prehypertension in the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa: An opportunity for early prevention of clinical hypertension

SummaryObjectiveTo assess prehypertension among Ghanaian adults in the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsThere were 1431 participants aged 18 years or more. Prehypertension was defined as blood pressure of 120–139/80–89 mmHg.Main outcome measuresPrehypertension.ResultsOverall, 31% of the study population were normotensive, 40% were prehypertensive and 29% were hypertensive. Prehypertension was more common in non-hypertensive males than non-hypertensive females (66% vs 49%, P<0.001). Prehypertension was also more common in those aged ⩾35 years compared with those aged <35 years (P<0.001), and in overweight and obese people compared with people of normal weight (P=0.03). In a multivariate logistic regression model, male sex [odds ratio (OR) 2.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77–3.15; P<0.001], age 35–49 years (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.12–2.18; P<0.01) and ⩾50 years (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.33–3.42; P=0.002)], overweight (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.09–2.36; P=0.02) and obesity (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.40–5.24; P=0.003) were independently associated with higher odds of prehypertension, whilst current smoking (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16–0.81; P=0.01) was associated with lower odds of prehypertension.ConclusionPrehypertension is very common among non-hypertensive subjects in the Ashanti region of Ghana. As a large proportion of people with prehypertension will progress to clinical hypertension, targeting these people early with lifestyle modifications such as weight reduction may provide important long-term benefits.