Blood Pressure Values and Prevalence of Hypertension in Certain Ethnic Groups in Indonesia, 1976

Abstract

A survey of hypertension rates and blood pressure values were undertaken from urban and rural population of various ethnic groups, namely: Bataks (North Sumatra); Sundanese and Jakarta (West-Java); Javanese (Central Java) and Dayaks (East Borneo). Five thousand two hundred and forty individuals were covered in the study, comprising 2562 males and 2678 females. There were no significant differences of hypertension rates between the urban and rural areas, and between the ethnic groups. Using WHO classification for hypertension it was found that under 35 years the hypertension rates was 5% or less. From 35 to 44 years the rates increased to 8% - 10%, while after 45 years it increased to 20% or more. At age 45 years or more the ratio of hypertension was 18,5%, salt consumption among Dayaks is men­tioned as some of the factors which contribute to hypertension. Being a metropolitan city, Jakarta has significantly higher rates of hypertension then elsewhere