ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A666 CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING IN CHILDREN: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

Abstract Background and aims WHO reports an increasing burden of cerebrovascular diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with arterial hypertension representing the leading risk factor. Alarmingly, a high prevalence is already observed in childhood. In this context, hypertension may be driven by non-modifiable factors –including genetic predisposition– and lifestyle-related determinants, particularly unhealthy dietary habits. ISA-Africa launched a cardiovascular screening program aimed at identifying pediatric risk factors and promoting early preventive strategies. Methods Between 2024 and 2025, children aged 3–17 years were screened at Monkole Hospital, the referral hospital of Mont Ngafula district, and at the “Elikia” Center, a school for children with disabilities, in Kinshasa, DRC. Data collection included medical history, assessment of nutritional status and blood pressure measurements. Pediatric blood pressure categories were defined according to European Society of Cardiology criteria. Results A total of 183 children (94 males, 89 females; mean age 11.1 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated. 12 children were excluded due to conditions commonly associated with cardiovascular complications, including Down syndrome. Overall, 35.7% of children were classified as hypertensive and 10.5% as pre-hypertensive. Among hypertensive subjects, 52.5% had stage 1 and 47.5% stage 2 hypertension. Regarding nutritional status, 16.4% of children were underweight, 63.7% normal weight, 4.0% overweight, and 12.3% obese. No significant correlations were observed between blood pressure and nutritional status. Conclusions Hypertension prevalence in this pediatric SSA population is markedly higher than previously reported. Providing epidemiological data is essential to clarify the determinants of early-onset hypertension and to support the development of context-specific preventive interventions in SSA. Conflict of interest Paolo Amisano: recipient of the Hipponion ISA-AII research grant (2025). Kasongo Kibambe Michael-Robert: nothing to disclose. Falcou Anne: nothing to disclose. Anna Gardin: nothing to disclose. Manuela De Michele: nothing to disclose.