Prevalence, trends, and factors associated with hypertensive crisis among Peruvian adults

There are few studies focused on the epidemiology of hypertensive crisis at the population level in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and trends over time of hypertensive crisis, as well as the factors associated with this condition among adults. A secondary data analysis was carried out using the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES). Hypertensive crisis was defined based on the presence of systolic (≥ 180mmHg) or diastolic (≥ 110mmHg) blood pressure, regardless of previous diagnosis or medication use. The factors associated with our outcome were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression, and the trend of hypertensive crisis was evaluated using the Cochrane-Armitage test. Data from 260,167 participants were analyzed, with a mean age of 44.2 (SD: 16.9) years and 55.5% were women. Hypertension prevalence was 23% (95%CI: 22.7-23.4) and, among them, 5.7% (95%CI: 5.4-5.9) had hypertensive crisis, with an overall prevalence of 1.5% (95%CI: 1.4-1.6). From 2014 to 2022, a significant decrease in the prevalence of hypertensive crisis was observed, from 1.7% in 2014 to 1.4% in 2022 (p = 0.001). In the multivariable model, males, increasing age, living in urban areas, high body mass index, and self-reported type 2 diabetes were positively associated with hypertensive crisis, whereas higher educational level, socioeconomic status, and high altitude were inversely associated. There is a need to improve strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension, especially hypertensive crisis.