Time trends in the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in Chandigarh
Ahlawat, S.K.; Singh, M.M.C.; Kumar, R.; Kumari, S.; Sharma, B.K.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 100(9): 547
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 12455385 Document Number: 547822
A cross-sectional population survey was conducted in 3 randomly selected sectors of Chandigarh, India, to estimate the changes in the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors over a 30-year interval (from 1968 to 1996-97). During 1996-97, a total of 1181 individuals (570 males and 611 females) aged 35 years and above participated in the study. 1049 subjects were interviewed and 937 were examined by a physician. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded and physical activity was graded. Data were compared to that of year 1968 when a similar survey had been carried out. Age- and sex-standardized prevalence of hypertension increased from 26.9% in 1968 to 44.9% during 1996-97. It increased from 19.9 to 43.7% among men, and from 24.8 to 45.8% among women. In 1968, 70% of the male population were engaged in sedentary and light physical activity compared to 73.7% during 1996-97. Total body fat increased in both men and women in all age groups, but was higher in women. 59.2% of the studied population belonged to high and middle income groups. Smoking rates remained unchanged, 25.4% in 1968 as compared to 24.6% during 1996-97. It is concluded that the prevalence of hypertension has almost doubled after 30 years in Chandigarh. Unfavourable changes in the prevalence of hypertension, physical activity and body fat make this population highly vulnerable to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.