Hypertension Among 30+ Year-Old People in Zahedan (Southeast of Iran)

Target & Hypertension (HTN) is considered a public health problem due to its magnitude, risk, and difficulty to control. Estimates of the prevalence of hypertension are certainly increasing in the world. Since such a study was not yet carried out in Zahedan, this survey was conducted to find out the prevalence of hypertension in Zahedan, southeast of Iran (2006- 2007). This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2300 individuals (1150 men and 1150 women) of age 30+ years in Zahedan. Samples were selected randomly from all regions. Weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure were measured using ordinary methods. Obtained data were analyzed using version 11 of SPSS, via Chi square and student T- Tests. Results were expressed as percentage and mean ± SD. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results obtained from this survey showed that prevalence rate of hypertension in Zahedan were 27.08 % (32.3% in men and 22.5% in women). In addition, prevalence rate of hypertension in Baluch ethnic group was higher than that of other ethnic groups and increased by age, BMI and the family size. Hypertension prevalence rate was high in Zahedan and there was also a direct relationship between, BMI, age, ethnicity and the family size and hypertension. Key words: