Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects among Young Adults (Aged 18 - 40) at Owendo University Hospital Center (Gabon): A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hypertension is a major public health issue given its serious complications. Studies conducted in school settings in Gabon have revealed a high prevalence of hypertension among young people (19.4% to 28.0%), but hospital-based data remain scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the hospital prevalence of hypertension in young adults and to describe its clinical and therapeutic aspects. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from the medical records of hypertensive patients aged 18 to 40 years who attended outpatient cardiology consultations at the Owendo University Hospital Center from February 11 to December 31, 2021. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic parameters were collected. Pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders were distinguished from chronic hypertension in the interpretation of results. Hypertension was defined according to the European Society of Cardiology criteria. Results: Among the 534 patients seen, 51 met the selection criteria, corresponding to a hospital frequency of HBP in young adults of 9.6%. The median age was 35 years [18 - 39 years], with a sex ratio of 0.34. Obesity was present in 21.6% of patients. Hypertension was systolic-diastolic in 68.2% of cases and grade 3 in 76.6% of patients. A family history of hypertension was found in 17.6% of cases. In women, hypertension occurred in the context of current preeclampsia (52.6%) or previous preeclampsia (13.2%). In men, hypertension revealed chronic kidney disease (4/13 cases) or heart failure (3/13 cases). Dual antihypertensive therapy was prescribed in 51.8% of hypertensive patients outside pregnancy. Conclusion: Hypertension is common among young adults attending outpatient cardiology consultations at the Owendo University Hospital Center. A context of current or previous preeclampsia predominates in women. In men, complications are frequent. Early screening and appropriate management of HBP are essential. Etiological investigation should be performed.