[Hypertension in the adult Congolese population of Southern Kivu: Results of the Vitaraa Study].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in adult urban and rural Congolese subjects. METHODS: We obtained anthropometric data and information on life habits and medical history in 699 people ≥ 20 years, 444 in an urban, 255 in a rural setting. We determined the body mass index and recorded two blood pressure measurements that were averaged for analysis. Hypertension was BP ≥ 140/90mmHg, awareness and/or use of antihypertensive treatment. Diabetes mellitus was self-reported diagnosis or a casual glycemia ≥ 200mg/dL. We assessed the probability of hypertension in stepwise multiple logistic analysis, and awareness, and control of hypertension. RESULTS: We found higher (P 55 years: 2.35; P<0.001), overweight/obesity (2.22; P<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (2.67; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a heavy burden of uncontrolled risk factors in the Congolese population the potential complications of which run at a high mortality rate. They highlight the need for reasonable prevention measures at the population level.