Prevalence of Hypertension and Assessment of "Rule of Halves" in Rural Population of Basavanapura Village, Nanjangud Taluk, South India

Context: World Health Day is celebrated on 7 th April to mark the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organization in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of public health concern in the world. The theme for 2013 is on high blood pressure (BP). High BP, if left uncontrolled increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among adults (>18 years) in Basavanapura Village, Nanjangud Taluk using simple random sampling method to study the pattern of BP using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee criteria. A total of 447 persons were screened. A total of 223 individuals (90 men and 133 women) were selected by simple random sampling, interviewed, and clinically examined for hypertension. BP of all the study participants was measured using a standardized technique. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean ± standard deviation (continuous data), proportions and percentages (categorical data), Chi-square test (association between age and hypertension) and odds were calculated to see in which age group the risk of hypertension was more. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test the significant difference of systolic BP and diastolic BP for males and females among age groups. Results: Of the 447 persons surveyed in Basavanpura Village, BP was recorded among 223 individuals. The overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 36 (16.1%), of which 22 (61.1%) were diagnosed, 20 (90.90%) treated, and only 14 (70.0%) controlled. Increasing age, sedentary lifestyles, and male sex were identified as the predisposing factors. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in the village is slightly higher (16.14%) than the national prevalence (14%). There is an urgent need to educate the people to modify the lifestyle and to monitor their BP values regularly

Magnitude and pattern of hypertension among diabetics; risk prediction for stroke and myocardial infarction

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are closely related morbidities. Uncontrolled blood pressure in diabetic patients can pose severe threat to life. An attempt was made to screen for hypertension among diabetics and also to predict their risk for stroke or myocardial infarction. Material and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum of Mysore. Data was collected between July and August 2011. Known diabetics residing in this area were included in the study. Socio-demographic information of diabetic patients, physician′s conduct in identifying hypertensives, advice for blood pressure check-up, and the extent of patient′s compliance to advice were assessed. Simultaneously subjects were screened for hypertension. Results: The study comprised of 104 patients. Only half of the subjects had an annual blood pressure recording by a physician. Prevalence of hypertension was 64.4% (67), with a known to unknown ratio of 1:2.5. Eleven (10.4%) diabetics with stage III hypertension have a very high risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Timely diagnosis and management of hypertension among diabetics reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications. Physicians should adhere to guidelines and refocus on issues that influence patient′s compliance in monitoring their blood pressure