Prevalence of Risk Factors of Hypertension in Nepalese Population

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular Vascular Disease. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Nepal especially in Urban Area. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factor in urban area of Nepal. Methods: We conducted a case control study involving the participant between 40-80 years of age between. Data on socioeconomic status, tobacco use, alcohol use, life style, family history of hypertension were collected using WHO protocol. Hypertension and Prehypertension were defined according to JNC-7. Results: On analyzing the study result among 130 hypertensives and 130 normotensives we found that 40(30.80%) of the hypertensive were alcoholic. In Normotensive but alcoholic group the prevalence of Hypertension was 53(40.80%). Similarly, the smoking habit was also assessed with relation of Hypertension and we found that 50(38.50%) of smoker were Hypertensive. The incidence of Hypertension decreased to 40(30.80%) in Normotensive population. 72(55.40%) people who had sedentary type of life style were hypertensive. On the other hand, 43(33.10%) of the people who had non-sedentary were hypertensive. We also had studied the relation of family with Hypertension. We found that 75(57.70%) of the people were hypertensive. The incidence decreased to 50(38.50%) to the patients who had no family association. Conclusions: The prevalence of Hypertension is high among our study population. The population based interventional programs and policies for increased awareness about risk factors like smoking, alcoholism, sedentary life style, familial association and life style modification are essential for prevention of Hypertension.