Prevalence of prehypertension in students of a tertiary care institute of North India.

ABSTRACT

Background: Prehypertension is associated with an increased risk of the development of hypertension and persistent hypertension can lead to cardiovascular diseases. According JNC-7, prehypertension Is SBP of 120–139 mmHg or DBP of 80–89 mmHg. Aims & Objective: Estimation of prehypertension in young medical students and sensitizing them at an early stage about importance of life style modifications can help in preventing hypertension and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. Material and Methods: A total of 400 students were enrolled in the study. Information was collected related to their BMI, dietary habits, and exercising habits. After a rest of twenty minutes three readings of blood pressure, at one minute interval were taken and mean of three readings were recorded. Results: The overall prevalence of Prehypertension was 58.75%. Prevalence of prehypertension systolic and diastolic was 41.5% and 38.5% respectively. Prevalence of hypertension was 5%. Conclusion: There is a need for practicing life style modifications at an early stage. Modern life style is responsible for increasing prevalence of risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular events.