EFFECT OF SMOKING ON BLOOD PRESSURE OF INHABITANTS OF HYDERABAD VICINITY

Abstract

Present piece of study was conducted to evaluate whether hypertension is associated with cigarette smoking in Pakistan. Study started with random screening of the inhabitants of the area for smoking, hypertension and associated risk factors. A self administered questionnaire was prepared for this purpose. Overweight and obesity were assessed by body mass index and hypertension by recording of blood pressure. Amongst the total 3382 selected volunteers, smokers were 933, they had significantly higher systolic blood pressure Mean ± SD 130.1±16.33 mm Hg, CV 12.1 against 127.6±15.19, CV 11.9, diastolic pressure 87.2±11.28 mm Hg, CV 12.9, against 84.8±9.80, CV 11.5. Slightly changes in mean arterial pressure noted in smokers 101.5±6.63, CV 18.4, compared to non smokers, it was 99.1±7.77, C.V 18.2. Smokers also had significantly higher pulse rate 78.6±7.24 compared to 68.8±5.76 beats/minute in non smokers. Smoking had significant correlation with SBP, DBP, MAP and BMI,-.311,-.312,-.313 and. 255 respectively. Similarly, prevalence of hypertension in smokers was higher (23.5%) than in non smokers (16.4%).