Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension in Adult Population in Rural Community

摘要

Hypertension is a major risk factor lor cardiovascular disease, so it is necessary to carry out studies in population to ascertain different modifiable risk factors related to hypertension so that preventive strategy may be taken to reduce the major public health problem in the community. The present trend in increasing prevalence of hypertension strongly suggests the launching of National Hypertension Control Programme in India. The community based high risk screening to detect hypertension in adults is the need of the hour. Information, education and communication should be started to increase the awareness among the rural people also as hypertension is the silent disease with iceberg phenomena. Thus many people who are hypertensive remained unaware till some end organ damage (complication) takes place. INTRODUCTION Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease, emerging as major public health problem in developed as well as developing countries & is gradually becoming the silent and crippling killer of the modern society worldwide. Essential Hypertension is a staggering health problem for three reasons. First it is a very common; second its effects are sometimes devastating and third it remains asymptomatic until late in its course. Its effects are wide spread and no organ is spared. Hypertension has been identified as one of the most important risk factor in both coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular accidents. It may also lead directly to congestive heart failure (Hypertensive heart disease) and to renal failure. Both hereditary and environmental factors have been implicated in hypertension. When both parents are hypertensive, the children have a much increased risk of developing hypertension. Environmental factors implicated in causation of hypertension include stress, obesity, smoking inactivity (sedentary life style) and high consumption of salt. The stress and strain of modern civilization with its struggle for existence have attributed for the rising incidence of hypertension and heart disease. It is probably the most important public health problem in developed countries and in many developing countries including India.