Prevalence of hypertension and subtypes in an Indian rural population: clinical and electrocardiographic correlates.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of hypertension (systolic > or = 140 and/or diastolic > or = 90 mmHg) and its subtypes such as borderline isolated systolic hypertension (systolic > or = 140, diastolic < 90 mmHg), definite isolated systolic hypertension (systolic > or = 160, diastolic < 90 mmHg), isolated diastolic hypertension (systolic < 160, diastolic > or = 90 mmHg) and definite hypertension (systolic > or = 160 and diastolic > or = 90 mmHg or hypertensives on treatment) in a rural population of a developing country. We have conducted a total community cross-sectional survey in a rural population of western India. 3148 persons (1982 males and 1166 females), aged > or = 20 years were examined in a cluster of three villages in Rajasthan. These were grouped into various subtypes of hypertension according to the US Fifth Joint National Committee and Framingham Study guidelines. The overall prevalence of hypertension and its subtypes was 24% in males and 17% in females. There was an age related increase in the prevalence of hypertension in both males and females. Only 7% males and 8% females were aware of their high BP. On subclassification of hypertensives it was seen that in males 12% had borderline isolated systolic hypertension, 2% had definite isolated systolic hypertension, 70% had isolated diastolic hypertension and 16% had definite hypertension. In females 18% had borderline isolated systolic hypertension, 2% had definite isolated systolic hypertension, 53% had isolated diastolic hypertension and 17% had definite hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)