Prevalence and spectrum of hypertension in a rural area.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to find the prevalence and spectrum of hypertension in a rural area of Varanasi, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross sectional study carried on 3600 subjects > or = 30 years of age and residents of three villages around Varanasi. The period of study was from April 2002 to January 2003. RESULTS The overall prevalence of hypertension 13.6%.As much as 25.05% of the total subjects were in the category of High Normal. Among the hypertensives 80.5% had Stage 1 hypertension. With advancing age the prevalence of hypertension increased significantly. CONCLUSION It is alarming to note that 1/4th of the study subjects had blood pressure in the range of High Normal and are a potential risk group. Of the hypertensive, 80% had Stage 1 hypertension which can be prevented and normalised by adopting lifestyle modification.