PREVALENCE OF PRE-HYPERTENSION AND HYPERTENSION IN RURAL TAMIL NADU POPULATION ? A PILOT STUDY REPORT FROM MANAMPATHY VILLAGE OF THIRUPORUR TEHSIL, KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Considering the fact that a very narrow dividing line exist between normotension and hypertension and is still a debating topic among the physicians, BP levels of systolic ? 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic ? 90 mm Hg is accepted as an indicator for the diagnosis of hypertension. At and above this level, an increased mortality risk and association with other diseases have been reported through prospective cohort and case-control studies from most of the developed and developing countries. High fatty diet and body mass index have a positive correlation and physical activity is negatively related with hypertension. Many factors like alcohol consumption and smoking also increase the risk. Prevalence of hypertension in India as reported by various literatures has been on an increasing trend for the last three decades. Most of the studies are reported from urban population. More studies are needed based on rural Indian scenario. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension, its associated risk factors as well as to increase the awareness on importance of life style modifications in a rural population of Tamil Nadu. A greater understanding of the risk factors that account for the increase in hypertension could potentially contribute to its future prevention by addressing its root causes.