SummaryBackgroundHypertension (HTN) is one of the causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in
Africa, and may be associated with lower socio-economic status (SES). The
prevalence of HTN is not well established in the Gambia or in Sierra
Leone.MethodsA cross-sectional, population-based study of adults was conducted in the
Gambia in 2000 and in Sierra Leone from 2001 to 2003 and in 2009. The study
was conducted as part of the annual visit to countries in western Africa
sponsored by a medical delegation from California. People from the Gambia
and Sierra Leone were examined by the medical delegation and blood pressures
were measured.ResultsA total of 2 615 adults were examined: 1 400 females and 1 215 males. The
mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the females was 134.3 ± 29.7 mmHg,
mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 84.5 ± 17.5 mmHg, and 46.2% were
hypertensive. The mean SBP of the males was 132.8 ± 28.5 mmHg, mean DBP was
82.8 ± 16.2 mmHg, and 43.2% were hypertensive. Overall prevalence of HTN in
the subjects was 44.8%. Mean SBP, mean DBP and HTN prevalence increased with
age decade, both in males and females. In addition, after age adjustment
(known age), females had higher mean SBP (p = 0.042), mean
DBP (p = 0.001) and rate of occurrence of HTN
(p = 0.016) when compared with males.ConclusionsPrevalence rates of HTN in the Gambia and Sierra Leone were higher than 40%
in males and females, and may be a major contributor to CVD in both
countries. Due to the association of HTN with low SES, improvements in
educational, public health, economic, non-governmental and governmental
efforts in the Gambia and Sierra Leone may lead to a lower prevalence of
HTN. The cause of the higher prevalence in women may be due to
post-menopausal hormonal changes.
Sexual dysfunction occurs in patients with LVAD support and may be more prominent than after HTx. Problems limiting sexual function related to physiological, psychological, and equipment merit consideration during follow-up.
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