The burden of high blood pressure is highest among the rich, the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey shows.
The report released this week shows the problem increases with household wealth.
From the data, the prevalence stands at five per cent among poor women and 11 per cent among those from rich households.
On the other hand, increases from two per cent among men from poor households to more than double at five per cent among their counterparts from rich homes.
“The prevalence of high blood pressure increases with age, from two per cent among women at the age of 15 to19 to 20 per cent among women aged 45 to 49,” the report shows.
“Similarly, the prevalence of high blood pressure increases from one per cent among men aged 15 to 19 to 10 per cent among men aged 45 to 49,” it adds.
The report lists Kirinyaga, Taita Taveta and Laikipia as counties with the highest percentage of women with hypertension at 20 per cent, 18 per cent and 16 per cent respectively.
Embu and Homa Bay counties on the other hand have the highest percentage of men with hypertension.
Overall, nine per cent of women and three per cent of men aged 15 to 49 years reported that they had been told by a doctor or other healthcare worker that they have high blood pressure or hypertension.
“Of those who reported that they had high blood pressure or hypertension, 32 per cent of women and men were taking medication to control blood pressure,” the report says.
The World Health Organisation describes high blood pressure (Hypertension ) as a condition when the pressure in blood vessels is too high.
WHO warns that it is common but can be serious if not treated.
People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked, WHO says.
"Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure," the global health agency advises.
