Prevalence study of hypertension among adults in an urban area of Jammu

Background: Considering the epidemic of hypertension in recent decades the present study was carried out in an urban adult population to study the prevalence of the disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension in an urban adult population aged 30 years and above of Trikuta Nagar colony Jammu. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in urban population aged 30 years and above of Trikuta Nagar colony in Jammu district of J&K falling under urban health centre, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Jammu. Every alternate house was visited thus covering 50% of total houses. A conventional mercury sphygmomanometer was used for recording blood pressure. Hypertension was diagnosed when the systolic blood pressure was ≥140 mmHg and/or Diastolic blood pressure was ≥90 mmHg. Those already diagnosed as hypertensives and taking medication were also considered as hypertensives. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 57.83%. A higher proportion of males were suffering from hypertension (65.21%) as compared to females (52.64%). Diabetes mellitus was found to be the most common co morbid condition. Conclusion: The study shows high prevalence of hypertension in urban population.