Hypertension incidence in Turkey (HinT): a population-based study.

Objective: Hypertension incidence is an important determinant of hypertension prevalence and progression. Few studies have been published on hypertension incidence in developing countries despite the high prevalence observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of hypertension in Turkey.

Methods: The study was designed as an epidemiological cohort study which included the population of the Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Turkey (PatenT) Study which had 4910 volunteers. Blood pressure measurements were performed three times and a questionnaire was used to obtain data on the present status of hypertension with regards to distributions and alterations of risk factors.

Results: In the present study, 4008 (81.6%) participants of the PatenT Study population were contacted after 4 years. After excluding 173 dead and 67 pregnant individuals, the study cohort comprised of 3768 individuals. The overall 4-year incidence rate of hypertension was 21.4%; it reached a maximum of 43.3% in individuals over 65 years of age. Age, initial blood pressure category, and body mass index were the best predictors of the hypertension incidence rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, obesity, alcohol consumption, and living in rural areas were significant predictors of hypertension.

Conclusion: Follow-up periods scheduled considering age, initial blood pressure category, and body mass index are important for the early determination of hypertension. As there are limited data regarding hypertension incidence in developing countries, the results of data collected in this study might serve as a model.