Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Adults in Urban Populations - Iran

Background & Aims of the Study: Hypertension was introduces as the strongest risk factorfor CVD events in an Iranian population. The aim of this study was to measure the amountof undiagnosed hypertension and selected cardiovascular risk factors present among anadult population through opportunistic screening.Materials & Methods: This cross sectional opportunistic screening program was carriedout in a PHC in urban areas of Ardabil city on 354 patients and accompanying persons aged30 years and above who attended were included. Known hypertensive patients and pregnantwomen were excluded. The study participants were interviewed using a pre-tested semistructuredinterview schedule to collect data regarding socio-demographic variables. Bloodpressure (BP) was measured for all participants. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 18using chi-square test.Results: A total of 354 participants were screened; 55.1% were females. Mean (SD) of ageof the participants was 48.4 (12.4) years. Hypertension and pre-hypertension were presentin 18.6% (66/354) and 39.3% (139/354) of the participants respectively. 19.2% (68/354) ofall participants were current users of tobacco. Generalised obesity was present in 32.5%(115/354) of the participants while 18.1% (64/354) were overweight. 44.9% (159/354)participants had central obesity.Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension is high, and the resultsdemonstrate the urgent need to develop effective national strategies to improve preventionof hypertension including life style modifications strongly recommended.

کلیدواژه ها:

HypertensionScreening CardiovascularAdultsPrevalence