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

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&nbsp; of hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications whose mean systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure were 121.1&plusmn;14.6 mm Hg, 78.6&plusmn;9.6 mm Hg and 1&plusmn;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. &nbsp;