Arterial hypertension in the czech republic: prevalence, awareness, and control among adults aged 25-64 in 2019: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Taniwall A , Lustigova M , Broz J , Fruhaufova A , Krollova P , Berka B , Jahromi K , Fackovcova L , Urbanova J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Arterial hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Thus, the knowledge of the prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension is of significant public health concern.

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze hypertension and its associated risk factors in the Czech population aged 25-64, utilizing EHES (European Health Examination Survey) 2019 data to aid in developing prevention and treatment strategies for reducing cardiovascular disease in the Czech population.

Methods
Participants underwent a medical examination to assess several cardiovascular health parameters, including blood pressure and blood tests. Hypertension prevalence was determined by blood pressure &gt;140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use. Hypertension treatment was defined as the current use of antihypertensive medication, and control was based on blood pressure criteria of &lt;130/85 mmHg (control 1) or &lt;140/90 mm Hg (control 2). Respondents were categorized into three: 1) hypertensive and aware, 2) hypertensive and unaware, and 3) non-hypertensive. Data were analyzed with respect to the prevalence and awareness of hypertension in the three groups to investigate the distribution of risk factors. Chi-squared test and multinomial logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses.

Results
Out of 1056 (425 men) participants aged 25-64 years (44,4±0.73), average BMI of 27,6±0.35, 36.3% had hypertension, with a higher prevalence in males than females (46.0% vs. 26.3%, p&lt;0,001). Among hypertensive patients, 64.8% were aware of their condition, with higher awareness in females than males (72.0% vs. 60.9%, p&lt;0.027). 47.6% of hypertensive patients underwent antihypertensive therapy, with a higher proportion in females than males (57.7% vs. 42.0%, p&lt;0.001). Hypertension control was achieved in 10.4% (p&lt;0.003) and 49.4% (p&lt;0.033) of patients for control 1 and control 2, respectively. Hypertension prevalence and awareness were: 1) hypertensive and aware (25.6%), 2) hypertensive and unaware (12.3%), and 3) healthy (62.1%). The presence of hypertension was significantly associated with higher age, overweight and obese BMI, prediabetes and diabetes, primary and vocational education, and lower physical activity. Of subjects with hypertension, 43.6% of them had risky total cholesterol levels, 46.9% had risky HDL and 52.6% had risky triglyceride levels.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our study found a high prevalence of hypertension, affecting over one-third of the population. Males had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension than females. Despite the majority of hypertensive patients being aware of their condition, less than half were undergoing antihypertensive therapy. A greater proportion of females were treated for hypertension compared to males. Control of hypertension was suboptimal, with only a small proportion of patients achieving the recommended blood pressure target.