Determinants of Hypertensive Heart Disease Among Adult Hypertensive Patients in University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Gondar North West Ethiopia, A Case- Control Study

Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is the constellation of abnormalities characterized by cardiac complications. Despite advancements in management of hypertension and access to medical care, incidence of HHD is an alarmingly increasing through time. However, information on determinants of HHD studies is limited in Ethiopia. We assessed determinants of HHD among adult hypertensive patients in Gondar University Referral Hospital, North Ethiopia. A case control study was conducted from April 1-26, 2018. Cases were adult hypertensive outpatients with cardiac complications, diagnosed within the last two years and were on follow up and care in Gondar university referral hospital during study period. Controls were adult hypertensive outpatients without history of any of the cardiac complications, diagnosed within the last two years and were on follow up and care in Gondar university referral hospital during study period. A total of 159 participants 53 cases and 106 controls were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using checklist and interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hypertensive heart disease and p-value of 0.05 was used to decide for statistical significance. Most of the cases 70.9% and the controls 54.5% were in the age group of ≥60 years. Hypertensive patients who had family history of cardiovascular disease ((AOR) (Adjusted odds ratio) =4.7, 95% CI: 1.8-11.9), sedentary life style (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.8), uncontrolled blood pressure (AOR=4 95% CI: 1.8-9.0), and duration of hypertension ≥10 years (AOR=3, 95% CI: 1.1-8.7) were more likely to develop hypertensive heart disease than their counterparts. Multiple factors predicted HHD. Providing professional advice regarding to physical exercise especially for older individuals and taking early management is highly recommended.