Abstract:

Introduction: C-reactive protein is blood test marker for acute inflammation in body which marks severity of inflammatory process. Normal level of reactive protein is 6mg/1 and tend to rise in responses to anybody inflammation. Different studies have shown the relationship of C reactive protein levels and hypertension which is one of most important risk factor for cardiovascular-renal disease, however there is no clear information on levels of C reactive protein and hypertension among adult patients.

Objective: This study aims at determining association of elevated C –reactive protein levels and high blood pressure among adult’s hypertensive patients attending Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted in Mwanza city from May to July 2018 with an estimated sample size of 232. Veinpuncture blood was collected from eligible participants by using sterile syringe. Samples were processed at CUHAS multipurpose laboratory following standard operation procedures and good clinical and laboratory standards. Quantity of CRP were measured by Turbidimetric Immunoassay Test. Data were analyzed by using STATA version 13.

Results: The mean age of the enrolled was 57.59 with median body mass index of 22. Out of 232 patients 88 were found to have controlled blood pressure. Out of 232 patients 144 were found to have elevated levels of CRP. Having stroke (p=0.02), uncontrolled blood pressure (p = 0.002) chest pain (p = 0.000) and difficult breathing (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with elevated levels of CRP.

Conclusion: A considerable proportion of hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure had elevated CRP level which is significantly associated with stroke, chest pain, uncontrolled blood pressure and difficult breathing.