The Relationship between Hypertension and Its Related Risk Factors in People Over 30 Years of Age in Isfahan

Hypertension is one of the most important public health issues in different countries around the world. The disease is common, asymptomatic and often indistinguishable. If the risk factors of the disease which include an inappropriate diet, obesity, low activity and exercise, smoking, consumption of alcohol and stress are not controlled, the disease can lead to fatal complications in the absence of treatment. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between hypertension and its related risk factors in people over 30 years of age living in Isfahan. This descriptive-correlational research was conducted in 2013-2014. This study was conducted with a sample of 4900 men and women selected by using a simple and cluster sampling method in the city of Isfahan.
The research instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and information about risk factors for hypertension. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests in the SPSS software version 18. The results showed that the mean age of the units was 48.57 ± 11.28 years and the mean BMI was 26.71 ± 4.1 kg/m2. The mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the studied units were 12.45 ± 16.6 mmHg and 78.47 ± 10.42 mmHg, respectively. Also, there was a direct correlation between systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure with age, BMI and waist circumference (p<0.001). The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between sex and hypertension. In males (13.9%) it was higher than females ( 98.9%) (p<0.001). The results of this study provide a real picture of the underlying causes of people's attitude toward hypertension in the population of Isfahan residents. It is recommended to take these results into consideration in the design and implementation of any interventional program for the control and prevention of hypertension in this area.