Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Adults in Urban Populations-Iran

Background & Aims of the Study: Hypertension was introduces as the strongest risk factor for CVD events in an Iranian population. The aim of this study was to measure the amount of undiagnosed hypertension and selected cardiovascular risk factors present among an adult population through opportunistic screening. Materials & Methods: This cross sectional opportunistic screening programme was carried out in a PHC in urban areas of Ardabil city on 354 patients and accompanying persons aged 30 years and above who attended were included. Known hypertensive patients and pregnant women were excluded. The study participants were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule to collect data regarding socio-demographic variables. Blood pressure (BP) was measured for all participants. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 18 using chi-square test. Results: A total of 354 participants were screened; 55.1% were females. Mean (SD) of age of the participants was 48.4(12.4) years. Hypertension and pre-hypertension were present in 18.6% (66/354) and 39.3% (139/354) of the participants respectively. 19.2% (68/354) of all participants were current users of tobacco. Generalised obesity was present in 32.5% (115/354) of the participants while 18.1% (64/354) were overweight. 44.9% (159/354) participants had central obesity. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension is high, and the results demonstrate the urgent need to develop effective national strategies to improve prevention of hypertension including life style modifications strongly recommended.