Epidemiology of hypertension in an urban population of Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology of hypertension in 35-64 year old adults resident in Ragama Medical Officer of Health area in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Methods: The Ragama Health Study is conducted in the Ragama MOH area of the Gampaha district. An age- stratified random sample of 2986 adults between 35-64 years of age, were screened for cardiovascular risk factors. Socio-demographic and risk factor related data were obtained by structured interview. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were obtained and relevant biochemical investigations were conducted. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension (systolic > 139 mm Hg and/or diastolic > 89 mm Hg) in 2986 participants (males 45%), was 30.4% (27.8% in males; 32.5% in females). 31.8% (n=288) were previously undetected. Of the known hypertensives, 19.5% were not on anti-hypertensive medication and only 32.1% were controlled (defined by systolic <140 mm Hg and diastolic <90 mm Hg). Factors associated with hypertension in both males and females were body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and serum triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence observed is comparable to the prevalence of developed countries with relatively older populations. A considerable proportion of known hypertensives are not on treatment and the observed poor control indicates problems in drug compliance. Interventions targeting lifestyle modification and drug compliance are essential to control adverse outcomes of hypertension.