Demographic and Clinical Profile of Hypertensive Patients in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Retrospective Hospital-based Case Series

Background Hypertension is a dangerous global risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting over one billion people worldwide. Poor access to therapy and structural barriers contribute to uncontrolled disease and complications. Objective To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, and to examine factors associated with blood pressure control and hypertension-related complications. Methods A descriptive case series was conducted using retrospective hospital records of 112 patients admitted with hypertension between September 2019 and February 2021. Data on demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, medication use, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and correlation. Results The majority of patients were female (87.5%), urban residents (66.1%), and had stage 2 hypertension (74.1%). Mean age was 60 years, with average systolic/diastolic pressures of 169/94 mmHg. Only 18.8% reported antihypertensive medication use, yet all users achieved blood pressure control and had no complications, compared to 81.2% uncontrolled with complications among nonusers ( χ ² = 105.7, P < .001). Obesity was associated with higher systolic pressure ( P = .007). Depression was highly prevalent (81.2%). Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant association between antihypertensive medication use and blood pressure control ( χ ² = 105.7, P < .001). Conclusion Hypertension in this hospital-based population was characterized by advanced disease, poor blood pressure control, and a high burden of cardiovascular complications. The findings highlight the importance of improving access to hypertension care, promoting medication adherence, and strengthening early detection and management, particularly in rural populations.