Prevalence of prehypertension and high normal blood pressure in Latin America: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Introduction: Prehypertension and high normal blood pressure (HNBP) are important risk factors for the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. However, their prevalence in Latin America has not been systematically evaluated.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of prehypertension and HNBP in Latin America through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases until September 24, 2024. Observational studies with probabilistic sampling that reported the prevalence of prehypertension or HNBP in adult Latin American populations were included. Random-effects models were used for the meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed.

Results: A total of 17 studies (n=227,741) from 7 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of prehypertension was 27.98% (95% CI: 21.17-35.34%), with significant heterogeneity (I²=100%, p<0.01). The prevalence of HNBP was 19.23% (95% CI: 11.43-28.49%). Considerable variations were observed between countries, with prehypertension prevalence ranging from 3.55% in Cuba to 46.10% in Puerto Rico. Meta-regression analyses identified a slight decreasing trend in prehypertension prevalence over time and with increasing sample size.

Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of prehypertension and HNBP in Latin America, with significant variations between countries. These findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies to prevent and manage these prehypertensive states early in the region.