Undiagnosed Hypertension in Vancouver's Punjabi Sikh Community: A Cross-Sectional Study.

South Asians bear a greater burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other ethnic groups and hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor. The purpose of this study was to examine rates and predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure among an immigrant Punjabi Sikh community in Vancouver. We recruited 350 adults (40% women; mean age 67.3 ± 11.9 years) across 5 Sikh temples and measured blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, waist circumference, socio-demographic background, and health history. 42% of participants had uncontrolled blood pressure of which one-third reported no previous history of hypertension. Based on modified cut-offs for South Asians, the mean waist circumferences across groups were well above target and 50% classified as obese. A higher percentage in the uncontrolled group (vs. controlled group) were of an older age, had a diabetes history and reported a physically active lifestyle. Findings suggest more efforts are needed to reduce the rates of uncontrolled blood pressure in this community. Interventions such as blood pressure drives, community-based outreach programs, and physical activity and dietary interventions should be explored to lower this CVD risk factor in this community.