Chronological Impact of Earthquakes on Blood Pressure: A Literature Review and Retrospective Study of Hypertension in Haiti Before and After the 2010 Earthquake

Ayman R. Fath, Amro Aglan, Jeri Platt, Jordan R. Yaron, Kyle S. Varkoly, Roxana N. Beladi, Diane Gorgas, Jean Tom Jean, Pierre Dasni, Abdullah S. Eldaly, Michael Juby, Alexandra R. Lucas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: We review prior studies on the incidence of hypertension (HTN) after earthquakes and present a retrospective analysis of HTN after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Methods: Prior reports on HTN incidence were reviewed and a retrospective chart review for diagnosis of HTN in 4,308 patient charts was performed over a 7 year period (five clinics). A retrospective cohort study (RCS) was then performed on 11 patients with linear follow-up. Results: The Literature review revealed a significant increase in acute and subacute HTN following earthquakes. However, the chronic effects of earthquakes varied. Our chart review uncovered no significant difference in diagnosed HTN in a Fort-Liberté clinic 128 kilometers (km) distant and 4 weeks post-event. A secondary linear RCS for 11 individuals, prior to and after the earthquake, also did not detect a significant change in HTN prevalence. Conclusion: Prior studies demonstrate acute and subacute, increases in HTN after earthquakes, but late changes have varied. Retrospective studies in the Fort-Liberté clinic, 128 km distant and 4 weeks post-event, revealed no significant change in HTN, confirming prior findings that changes in HTN after earthquakes are early and local events. Further work examining HTN after earthquakes is needed to improve early health care after natural disasters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number600157
JournalFrontiers in Public Health
Volume8
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2021

Keywords

  • 2010 earthquake
  • Haiti
  • blood pressure
  • cardiovascular events
  • environmental stress
  • hypertension
  • natural disasters (NDs)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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