[Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control: results from a community based survey]. / Prevalence, connaissance, traitement et controle de l'hypertension arterielle: resultats d'une enquete populationnelle.

The study objective was to assess the prevalence, level of awareness of treatment, and control of hypertension in a general population. We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 1837 adults 40-69 years old. Hypertension and control level are defined according to the WHO/ISH recommendations. HBP is defined as SBP > or = 140 and or DBP > or = 90 mm Hg and the use of blood pressure-lowering medication. Hypertension is controlled by medication if SBP < 140 and DBP < 90 mm Hg. We conduct analysis by socio demographic variable, medical history and CHDs risk factors. 44.3% of adults was hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among women (48.2% versus 38.7% on men) and it increases in both genders with age, body mass index. Only 41% of the hypertensive were aware of having hypertension, among them, 74.1% declare that they are treated but only 13.2% were controlled. The study highlights the problem of the hypertension in a developing country. It contributes to identify the huge iceberg of this CVDs risk factor. The national strategy must focus on the population life style and drugs management. The question is how much will be the cost of HBP and CVDs control for a country which has a limited resources.