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Stage 2 Hypertension and Electrocardiogram Abnormality: Evaluating the Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Nigeria

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A Correction to this article was published on 07 April 2022

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Abstract

Introduction

This study evaluated the status of stage 2 hypertension, abnormal ECG and their co-occurrence as possible risk factors of cardiovascular disease and their predictors in a Nigerian University population.

Methods

A total of 717 subjects participated in this study. Blood pressure (BP), resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and other clinical parameters were measured and categorised according to standard organisational guidelines. Bivariate correlation and multivariate logistic regression model were used to determine covariates and clinical parameter association at a 95 % significant level.

Results

Stage 2 hypertension and abnormal ECG respectively occurred in 264 (37 %) and 217 (39.2 %) subjects, with co-occurrence and abnormal BMI in 85 (11.8 %) and 459 (64.8%) subjects, respectively. Sex (p = 0.001) and occupation (p = 0.022) were independently associated with abnormal BP and ECG, respectively, while age was independently associated (p < 0.001) with abnormal BP, ECG and co-occurrence of these conditions. Predictors of stage 2 hypertension and abnormal ECG were sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.652, 95 % CI 1.097–2.488) and occupation (aOR = 0.411, 95 % CI 0.217–0.779), respectively, while age was a predictor for stage 2 hypertension (aOR = 0.065, 95 % CI 0.015–0.283), abnormal ECG (aOR = 0.137, 95 % CI 0.053–0.351) and their co-occurrence (aOR = 0.039, 95 % CI 0.014–0.113).

Conclusions

This study shows prevalence rates of these risk factors are on the increase. It also suggests that ECG abnormality is a public health issue among stage 2 hypertensive patients that must be monitored. Therefore, appropriate interventions that prevent and control hypertension and identified risk factors should be put in place in addition to lifestyle changes, regular screening and surveillance.

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Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the staff of Covenant University Medical Centre for measuring the clinical parameters. Olawumi T. Iheagwam is acknowledged for proof reading the manuscript.

Funding

No funds, grants, or other support was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

Conceptualisation: SNC and FNI; Investigation: MKO, SNJ and OCD Methodology and Formal analysis: FNI and SNC; Writing—original draft preparation: FNI and SNC; Writing—review, editing and approval: All authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Franklyn Nonso Iheagwam.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Ethics approval

Ethical approval for the study was acquired from Covenant University Health Research Ethics Committee. The procedures used in this study adhere to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent to participate

Informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from participants.

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Not applicable.

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The original article has been updated: Due to Figure 2 update.

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Chinedu, S.N., Iheagwam, F.N., Onuoha, M.K. et al. Stage 2 Hypertension and Electrocardiogram Abnormality: Evaluating the Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Nigeria. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 29, 197–206 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-022-00504-x

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