Researchers in Rwanda studied over 4,000 adults to understand how many people have high blood pressure and what causes it. They found that about 1 in 6 adults has high blood pressure, with older people, overweight individuals, and those who drink alcohol facing higher risk. The study also discovered that people living in certain regions of Rwanda are more likely to have high blood pressure than others. These findings help doctors and health leaders create better plans to prevent and treat high blood pressure in Rwanda.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How common high blood pressure is in Rwanda and what factors make people more likely to develop it
  • Who participated: A nationally representative group of Rwandan adults from all regions, selected to represent the entire country’s population
  • Key finding: About 17 out of every 100 Rwandan adults have high blood pressure. People aged 60-69 are nearly 6 times more likely to have it than younger adults. Overweight people are 1.6 times more likely to have it, and those who drink alcohol are 1.4 times more likely.
  • What it means for you: If you’re over 60, overweight, or drink alcohol regularly, you should get your blood pressure checked. People in certain regions of Rwanda may need extra attention to blood pressure screening and prevention programs.

The Research Details

This study used information that was already collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Rwanda during 2022. Instead of starting fresh, researchers analyzed existing data from a large, nationally representative survey that included adults from all regions of Rwanda. They looked at the survey responses and medical measurements to understand patterns of high blood pressure.

The researchers used statistical tests to find connections between high blood pressure and other factors like age, weight, alcohol use, and where people lived. They then used a more advanced statistical method to figure out which factors were most important in predicting who would have high blood pressure, while accounting for other factors that might influence the results.

Because the original survey was designed to represent all Rwandans, the researchers used special statistical techniques to make sure their findings accurately reflected the entire country, not just the people surveyed.

Using existing national survey data is important because it’s expensive and time-consuming to collect new information from thousands of people. This approach allows researchers to answer important health questions quickly while using data that was carefully collected to represent the whole country. The survey included actual blood pressure measurements, not just what people remembered, making the results more reliable.

This study has several strengths: it used nationally representative data, included actual blood pressure measurements rather than self-reported information, and accounted for the complex survey design in the analysis. However, because it’s a snapshot in time rather than following people over years, we can see which factors are associated with high blood pressure but can’t prove that one thing directly causes another. The study didn’t specify the exact sample size in the abstract, though WHO STEPS surveys typically include 4,000-5,000 participants.

What the Results Show

The study found that approximately 16.8% of Rwandan adults—roughly 1 in 6 people—have high blood pressure. This is a significant public health concern because high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious heart problems if left untreated.

Age was the strongest predictor of high blood pressure. Adults aged 60-69 were 5.7 times more likely to have high blood pressure compared to younger adults. This makes sense because blood vessels naturally become stiffer as we age, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently.

Weight also played an important role. People who were overweight or obese were 1.6 times more likely to have high blood pressure. Extra body weight forces the heart to work harder and can damage blood vessels over time.

Alcohol consumption in the past year was associated with a 1.4 times increased risk of high blood pressure. Regular alcohol use can damage blood vessels and increase the amount of fluid in the bloodstream, both of which raise blood pressure.

Geographic location emerged as an unexpected but important finding. People living in the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces of Rwanda had significantly higher rates of high blood pressure compared to those in the Eastern province. The Southern province had the highest risk, with residents 1.7 times more likely to have high blood pressure. These regional differences might be due to differences in diet, physical activity levels, healthcare access, or other environmental factors that vary by region.

This study provides updated information about high blood pressure in Rwanda using the most recent national survey data from 2022. Previous surveys had documented that high blood pressure was a concern, but this analysis reveals current patterns and identifies specific groups at highest risk. The findings align with global research showing that age, weight, and alcohol use are major risk factors for high blood pressure, confirming that these patterns are consistent across different countries.

Because this study looked at data from one point in time, researchers can identify which factors are associated with high blood pressure but cannot prove that one factor directly causes another. For example, while the study shows that alcohol drinkers have higher blood pressure, it doesn’t prove that alcohol caused their high blood pressure—people with high blood pressure might drink more, or other factors might explain both. The study also couldn’t measure some important factors like stress, diet quality, or physical activity levels in detail. Additionally, the exact number of people surveyed wasn’t specified in the abstract, though national surveys of this type typically include several thousand participants.

The Bottom Line

Adults in Rwanda, especially those over 60, should have their blood pressure checked regularly (at least annually, or more often if they have risk factors). People who are overweight should work toward a healthier weight through balanced eating and physical activity. Those who drink alcohol should limit consumption to recommended levels. Healthcare providers should implement screening programs in all regions, with special attention to the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces where rates are higher. Communities should promote lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and managing stress.

Everyone in Rwanda should care about these findings, but especially: adults over 50, people who are overweight or obese, regular alcohol drinkers, and residents of the Northern, Western, and Southern provinces. Healthcare workers and public health officials should use these findings to design prevention programs. People with family histories of high blood pressure should be particularly vigilant about getting checked.

Blood pressure can be checked immediately at any health facility. Lifestyle changes like weight loss and reducing alcohol typically show improvements in blood pressure within 3-6 months. However, some people may need medication, which can lower blood pressure within days to weeks. Long-term management is essential, as high blood pressure is usually a lifelong condition requiring ongoing monitoring and treatment.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track blood pressure readings weekly at the same time of day (morning is best) and record the date, time, systolic number (top), and diastolic number (bottom). Also note any lifestyle factors that day like alcohol consumption, physical activity, and stress level to identify patterns.
  • Set a reminder to check blood pressure weekly at a health facility or using a home monitor. Log alcohol consumption daily and set a goal to reduce it to recommended levels. Track weight weekly and set a realistic weight loss goal of 1-2 pounds per week if overweight. Record daily physical activity minutes with a goal of 150 minutes per week.
  • Create a monthly summary showing average blood pressure readings, weight trends, alcohol consumption patterns, and physical activity levels. Compare month-to-month changes to see if lifestyle modifications are working. Share reports with a healthcare provider every 3 months to adjust treatment plans if needed. Set alerts for blood pressure readings above 140/90 to prompt immediate action.

This research describes patterns of high blood pressure in Rwanda but does not provide personalized medical advice. If you have high blood pressure or are concerned about your blood pressure, consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any medications without medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical care.