Modifiable lifestyle risk factors for stroke among a high risk hypertensive population in Greater Kampala, Uganda; a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To describe the modifiable lifestyle risk factors for stroke among a high risk population for stroke. Africa suffers from rapid population growth, adoption of harmful western diets, and increased prevalence of hypertension and obesity. RESULTS: A total of 440 study participants were screened and 87 individuals with hypertension plus at least one other known stroke risk factor were enrolled. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the screened population was 19.7 and 1.8%, respectively. Among those with hypertension only 2.3% (2/87) had ever had serum lipid assessment. Seventy-two percent (68/87) had very high serum LDL-cholesterol, while 33.3% (29/87) had low levels of HDL-cholesterol, and 67.8% had mean blood pressures greater than 160/100 mmHg and 40% (35/87) were obese, with a BMI ≥30. Targeting individuals with modifiable stroke risk factors and implementing self-management programs may be a way to reduce stroke burden in Uganda.