Pre-Hypertension among Young Adults

According to Joint National Committee-7 (JNC-7) guidelines, a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 120 to 139 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80 to 89 mm Hg is considered as pre-hypertension. Existing evidence suggest that the cardiovascular morbidities are increasing among pre-hypertensive individuals compared to normal. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with pre-hypertension among young adults (20-30 years) in coastal villages of Udupi Taluk, Udupi District, Karnataka state, India. In the study population, prevalence of pre-hypertension among young adults (20-30 years) was high (45.2%). Biological (age 25-30 years, pre-obesity and obesity) and behavioural (sedentary occupation, intake of extra salt in meals/salty food and not using refined cooking oil) factors were associated with pre-hypertension. Study emphasizes the need of community based screening of pre-hypertension under National Rural Health Mission. It also provides apt information for the evidence based designing of interventions for lifestyle modifications among high risk young adults in the study area.

Autorentext

Dr. Sanjay Kini, is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Medicine, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Mangalore, India. He has done his Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli and Doctor of Medicine from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal.