Prevalence, trends, and associated factors of isolated systolic, diastolic, and systolic-diastolic hypertension in Peru: A nine-year analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey

Introduction: While HTN is widely seen as a primary threat to cardiovascular conditions worldwide, it is essential to recognize that not all HTN is identical.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, trend, and factors associated with each type of HTN: isolated systolic (ISH), isolated diastolic (IDH), and systolic-diastolic (SDH).

Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey from 2014 to 2022 was conducted. For the analysis of associated factors, a Poisson regression model with robust variance was implemented to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) along with their 95% confidence intervals.

Results: The prevalence was 7.02%, 1.55%, and 3.28% for ISH, IDH, and SDH, respectively. ISH showed a decline in 2022, unlike the other two types, which seem to be on the rise. A statistically significant association was found in men and an increased risk with age for ISH and SDH, unlike IDH, where age acts as a protective factor. Additional factors identified include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, while a high intake of fruits/vegetables offers a protective effect. Obesity and diabetes were associated with a higher risk, and significant variations by region and altitude, as well as among ethnic groups, were observed.

Conclusions: Significant differences in the prevalence of HTN subtypes have been found, underscoring the heterogeneity of this chronic condition, both in related factors and in trends over the years.