Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Pressure Control among known Hypertensives in an Urban Population of Kerala State, India

  • AnoopLal Amrith Lal, MBBS, MD, DPH Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Padmakumar Balasundaram Government T D Medical college, Alappuzha
  • Regi Jose, MBBS, MD, DPH Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
  • Leela Itty KR Amma, MBBS, MD, DPH Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
  • K Vijayakumar Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Keywords: Hypertension, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Blood Pressure Control, Antihypertensives, JNC 7, Kerala

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a major risk factor for Cardiovascular Diseases. Even though easily detectable and treatable, effective control achieved is often poor. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of effective control of blood pressure among known hypertensives in an urban setting (Thiruvananthapuram Corporation area) and to determine the factors that influence effective control.
Methods: This was a Cross Sectional Study done among 500 known hypertensive patients of age 30 years and above. Cluster Sampling Technique was used. Methods of Data Collection included Personal Interview and Measurement of Physical Parameters. JNC VII criteria was used for the classification of hypertension. Univariate and Bivariate Analysis were done.
Results: The prevalence of Blood Pressure Control among hypertensives was found to be 40.4%. Increased Physical activity was found to be the most important factor that favours Blood Pressure Control. Blood pressure control is poor among overweight and obese individuals. Advanced age (> 60 yrs) was found to unfavourably affect Blood Pressure Control. Hypertensives with a Family History of Hypertension among first degree relatives have better control of Blood Pressure. Blood pressure control is better achieved through Combination Drug therapy than Mono therapy.
Conclusions: Frequent Measurement and monitoring of Blood Pressure is very important in the early detection and control of Hypertension. Doctors should make it a point to strictly adhere to the treatment guidelines. Choice of drugs and dosages should be rational, based on the patients age, blood pressure levels and co morbid conditions among other factors. Combination therapy should be advised whenever necessary. Physical activity and lifestyle modifications are of paramount importance

Author Biographies

AnoopLal Amrith Lal, MBBS, MD, DPH, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India

Assistant Professor of Community Medicine

Padmakumar Balasundaram, Government T D Medical college, Alappuzha

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine

Regi Jose, MBBS, MD, DPH, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor of Community Medicine

Leela Itty KR Amma, MBBS, MD, DPH, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor of Community Medicine

K Vijayakumar, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Professor, Department of Community Medicine

Published
2010-06-29
How to Cite
Lal, A., Balasundaram, P., Jose, R., Amma, L. I., & Vijayakumar, K. (2010). Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Pressure Control among known Hypertensives in an Urban Population of Kerala State, India. Kerala Medical Journal, 3(2), 41-49. https://doi.org/10.52314/kmj.2010.v3i2.166
Section
Original Research