Cardiovascular Complications in Patients With Hypertension: A Retrospective Study

Background: Hypertension is a leading global contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with complications often resulting in stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. This study assesses the prevalence and predictors of cardiovascular events among hypertensive patients over a five-year period. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 500 adult hypertensive patients from 2018 to 2023. Patients with prior cardiovascular disease were excluded. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, including demographics, comorbidities, smoking history, BMI, and cardiovascular complications. Statistical analyses involved chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of events. Results: Cardiovascular complications occurred in 196 patients (39.2%), with stroke (18.4%) as the most common outcome, followed by heart failure (15.2%) and myocardial infarction (12.2%). Age ≥65 years (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.51–3.54) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.91–4.21) were strong independent predictors. Male sex modestly increased risk (OR = 1.62; p = .041). Smoking and obesity showed non-significant trends toward increased complications. Subgroup analysis indicated diabetic hypertensives were more prone to stroke and heart failure. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of hypertensive patients develop cardiovascular complications, particularly those who are older or diabetic. Targeted interventions focusing on age and metabolic risk modification are critical to reducing disease burden in this population.