Prevalence Of Hypertension And Obesity In Hyderabad

Abstract

The prevalence of hypertension and obesity in inhabitants of randomly selected six localities of Hyderabad city were studied by measuring blood pressure and body mass index of 3382 volunteers (2118 males and 1264 females, age range 20-76 years). With the help of a standard questionnaire, information about the monthly income of subjects was also gathered. The prevalence of hypertension in studied population was found to be 18% (16% in males and 22% in females). The prevalence of obesity, as determined on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and over weight was 0.44 % and 30% respectively. Hypertension varied in different income groups and the proportions were highest (67.7%) and lowest (4.43%) in groups having monthly incomes ≥ Rs 25000 and ≤ 10000 respectively. Similar to hypertension, highest and lowest values for body mass index (Mean ±SD) 24.64 ± 3.41kg/m2 and 21.83 ± 3.05kg/ m2 were seen in subjects having monthly incomes ≥Rs 25000 and ≤ 10000 respectively. Hypertension was far more prevalent in obese (65%) than in non –obese (6.3%) subjects. It was concluded from present study that the people with higher income were prone to obesity and in turn to hypertension