The coming epidemic: hypertension in rural Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia

J Hum Hypertens. 2005 Feb;19(2):145-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001791.

Abstract

Eastern Europe is experiencing an epidemic of cardiovascular disease far outpacing rates in Western Europe. This epidemic was heralded by a precipitous rise in hypertension prevalence. The former Soviet states of Central Asia may be facing a similar epidemic. In order to access this threat, we performed a retrospective analysis of data generated during humanitarian medical visits to two villages in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 39%. Hypertension was much more common among men than women (46 vs 33%, respectively). In addition, the rise in blood pressure with age was striking, surpassing the experience in Western countries. This epidemic of hypertension may herald a coming epidemic of cardiovascular disease in Central Asia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Pressure
  • Disease Outbreaks* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Kyrgyzstan / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population
  • Sex Factors