Association between hypertension and metabolic disorders among elderly patients in North Jordan

Background: Hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, accounting for the highest morbidity and mortality among the elderly Jordanian population. This study aimed to evaluate serum lipid and glucose profiles of hypertensive patients and normotensive controls, and determine the risk factors for HTN among elderly population in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 200 participants, including 111 hypertensive patients and 89 normotensive controls from June to October 2017 in North Jordan. Data were collected on sociodemographic factors, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Results: Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL and FBS were higher while HDL levels were lower in hypertensive subjects compared to normotensives (p < 0.01). There were no differences between hypertensive and normotensives patients regarding their age, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were significantly correlated only in normotensive group. Significant associations between blood pressure and biochemical parameters were seen only in the HTN group. Overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity (WHtR), hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL were found as the risk factors for HTN. Conclusion: from our results, future strategies for preventing dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and, consequently, HTN through modification of risk factors such as lifestyle changes and medical management. It's recommended for patients with HTN to measure the BP, lipid and glucose profiles regularly throughout their primary health care to prevent non-communicable diseases.