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(Hypertension. 2008;51:e24.)
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.

Letters to the Editor

Review of Hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comment From the Seychelles

Ministry of Health and Social Development, Victoria, Republic of Seychelles, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Conrad Shamlaye; Anne Gabriel

Ministry of Health and Social Development, Victoria, Republic of Seychelles

Fred Paccaud

Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

An extract of the first 250 words of the full text is provided, because this article has no abstract.

To the Editor:

Addo et al¹ recently reviewed the situation of hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa. We would like to add some information from the Republic of Seychelles, a middle-income island state located 1800 km east of Kenya in which >80% of the population is of African descent.

The age- and sex-specific prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) has been assessed in 3 independent population-based surveys in 1989, 1994, and 2004.^2–4 In 2004, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension (BP 140/90 mm Hg or under treatment) was 44% in men and 36% in women.⁴ Among hypertensive persons, 55% of men and 75% of women were aware of having hypertension, 49% of men and 72% of women were treated, and 12% of men and 30% of women had BP controlled (BP <140/90 mm Hg). Prevalence of high BP, but also awareness and control, were therefore higher in Seychelles than in most populations reviewed by Addo et al.¹ There is, however, a secular decline in the age-standardized prevalence of high BP,⁴ and vital statistics indicate a consequential decline in stroke mortality during the past 15 years.

The high prevalence of high BP and the low level of BP control in Seychelles have occurred despite a favorable situation. The population is well aware of hypertension,³ likely a result of sustained awareness campaigns since the late 1980s. Other studies in Seychelles have shown fairly low salt intake (6 g per day), reflecting a diet based largely on fish and unsalted rice. Health care is provided . . . [Full Text of this Article]