Risk factors for arterial hypertension in the adult population of an urban region of Ecuador

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) in the adult resident population of the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional analytical study of adults selected via multistage random sampling who underwent clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory evaluations. The diagnosis of HTN was defined according to the JNC-7 criteria. A multiple logistic regression model was performed. Results. A total of 318 persons were included. The prevalence of HTN was 25.8% (males: 27.2% vs. females: 24.7%; p = 0.617). In the multiple logistic regression model, the risk factors for HTN were age > 60 years (OR, 8.68; 95% CI, 3.56–21.14; p < 0.001), obesity according to body mass index (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.04–5.70; p = 0.042), high caloric intake (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.01– 4.53; p = 0.044), and family history of HTN (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02–2.90; p = 0.040). Conclusions. The presence of HTN in this population is associated with both intrinsic and environmental factors, which should be considered in routine evaluations to ensure its early identification and control.