Blood pressure levels, risk factors and hypertension control status in adult population of Shiraz

Introduction: Hypertension is an important and uprising public health challenge in
developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence, awareness,
treatment and control of hypertension and assessment of associated risk factors in
adult residents of Shiraz.
Methods: This study cross-sectional was conducted in 2000-2001. Multistage cluster
sampling method was used to select 3245 male and female aged 19-99 years from
adult population. Prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension were determined
according to JNC7 criteria. Information about history of hypertension, use of
antihypertensive drugs, history of hypertension in first degree relatives, current use
of cigarette of hubble-bubble were obtained. Chi-square test and analysis of variance
was used for data analysis and P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 27.5% (28.1% in female and 26.8 in
male, P<0.001). 2749 out of 3245 had no history of hypertension or use of
antihypertensive medications whose mean systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure
were 121.1±14.6 mm Hg, 78.6±9.6 mm Hg and 1±10.1 mm Hg, respectively.
Prevalence of prehypertension was 48.1%. 54.8% of hypertensives had awareness
of hypertension and 61% were on drug therapy. Of those on drug therapy, only
39% had normal blood pressure. Obesity (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.5-4) current smoking
(OR: 1.3.95% CL, 1.07-1.5) and positive family history of hypertension (OR: 1.37,
95% CL: 1.17-1.6) were positively associated with hypertension (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This finding illustrates high prevalence of hypertension,
prehypertension and associated risk factors in adult population of Shiraz, indicating
the need for more effective preventive programs and better control of hypertension.