PREVALENCE OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

INTRODUCTION The occurrence of high blood pressure, during pregnancy, increases both maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality, since it virtually changes the function of every organ and system in the body. The gestational hypertension is defined as the blood pressure above 140mm Hg of systolic and above 90 mm Hg of diastolic after 20weeks of pregnancy. The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension is found to vary between 5 -10 percent in Indian population. Reports suggest that 10-15 percent of maternal deaths are due to the hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of gestational hypertension in Tirunelveli District and to assess the risk factors involved. METHODOLOGY 200 antenatal women who completed 20 weeks of gestation attending the antenatal clinic in Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital were selected for the study. Informed consent was obtained for the study. The details regarding age, parity, period of gestation, physical activity, height and weight of the individual with relevant past history were collected in the proforma assigned. The blood pressure was recorded by using sphygmomanometer, after 5 minutes of rest, in sitting posture, in left arm, for all pregnant women under study. RESULTS The collected data were analysed and the prevalence of gestational hypertension in this study is found to be 7.5 percent. This correlates with the existing report in the Indian population. Gestational hypertension was found to be more common in primiparous women. CONCLUSION Gestational hypertension not only affects pregnancy outcome, but also predisposes the mother and the child to long term health complications. The finding of high frequency of gestational hypertension requires further studies for establishing more details such as clinical pattern and the risk factors for analysis and follow up. The devastating effects of this condition can be prevented by early diagnosis, regular antenatal follow up, and guidance for the pregnant women in reducing the risk factors established .The study was undertaken after the Institutional Ethical Committee Clearance.