Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension: a public health challenge

Abstract

Background: Globally, 51% of stroke (cerebrovascular disease) and 45% of ischaemic heart disease deaths are attributable to high systolic blood pressure. At any given age, the risk of dying from high blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries is more than double that in high-income countries. The objective of the study was to know the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among rural population.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study conducted in villages under the rural field practice area of medical college in the month of May, 2017. 365 people participated in the hypertension screening camp constituted the study sample.Results: Prevalence of undiagnosed HTN was found to be 10.1% among study population. Nearly 58.1% of the people are with normal blood pressure while 31.2%, 10.7% of the study population are classified prehypertensive, hypertensives according to JNC- VII.Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of hypertension and other risk factors through Health education programs, public awareness campaigns to be conducted actively among population.