Study of prevalence of hypertension in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients admitted at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital.

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study of 237 cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients admitted in medical ward of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) was performed to find out the prevalence of hypertension in such COPD subjects. The prevalence of COPD amongst the total number of patients admitted at NMCTH medical ward was 17.3%. Prevalence of COPD was more after the onset of middle age, the peak was found to be at the age of 60-69 years. Out of these COPD subjects, 98 patients (37 patients were known case of hypertension) had hypertension. Thus prevalence of hypertension was 41.3% in COPD subjects studied. Prevalence increased with age after the age of 50 years and the highest prevalence was at the age of 60-69 years which directly correlates with the prevalence of COPD. The prevalence of hypertension in COPD patients was significantly higher than the normal population that may reflect COPD itself as a risk factor for developing hypertension. A larger and detailed study is needed to confirm such finding.