Co-existence of hypertension and abnormal lipid profile: a hospital-based retrospective survey.

ABSTRACT

Indian data on co-existence of coronary risk factors is scanty. This retrospective survey was carried out to estimate the prevalence of abnormal lipid profile and glucose metabolism in hypertensive patients. Records of persons coming for a health check-up were screened to obtain 500 consecutive evaluable records of persons with hypertension or those taking antihypertensive drugs. 57 percent of these subjects had cholesterol > or = 200 mg/dl. An elevated ratio of total to HDL cholesterol (> 4.5) was also present in 47 percent of the subjects. Serum triglycerides were > or = 200 mg/dl in 34 percent of the subjects, and > or = 400 mg/dl in 5 percent. These lipid abnormalities were more prevalent in males than females (p < 0.05). 20 percent of all the subjects were either on antidiabetic drugs or had fasting blood sugar more than 120 mg/dl.