The Socio-Demography, Clinical Characteristics and the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among a Group of Elderly Hypertensive Patients Followed Up at A Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Background Hypertension is one of the most prevalent risk factors for myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive cardiac failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD)and its prevalence is significantly higher inthe elderly population. Objectives To assess the demography, various presentations and the prevalence of risk factors among elderly hypertensive patients followed up in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods This was a cross sectional descriptive study involving 250 patients whoseage was 60 years or above onantihypertensives for at least 6 months. Results Approximately 65.2% of the study population was female. The mean age was 70.17.Dizziness and chest pain were the most prevalent symptoms.The mean age at first detection was 58.17 years.Mean SBP and DBP were 128.5mmHg and 81.14mmHg respectively. The prevalence of alcohol consumption and smoking among men were 70.1% and 72.4% respectively. Approximately 54.7% were either overweight or obese.Approximately 81.6% females and 41.4% males had a waist circumference ofmore than therisk level with p-value<0.05. Approximately 36% had diabetes mellitus and 27.6% of the patients had at least one parent and 36.8% had at least one sibling diagnosed with hypertension. Approximately 61.3% of the patients hadadequate levels of physical activity while 31.8% had IHD,11.5% had stroke and 3.8% had CKD. Conclusion Dizziness and chest pain were the most disturbing symptoms while abdominal obesity among females,and alcohol consumption and smoking among males were the major risk factors in elderly hypertensive patients

Hypertension Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Adult Hypertensive Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka

“…Of these, complications of HTN account for 9.4 million deaths worldwide annually [ 5 ]. Despite considerable improvement in increasing the awareness, treatment, and control of HTN, undiagnosed and uncontrolled HTN remains a public health challenge [ 6 – 8 ]. It disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries, with consequences such as stroke, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, and premature disability [ 9 – 11 ].…”

Oxidative Stress Marker Malondialdehyde and Glutathione Antioxidant in Hypertensive Patients

“…[9] Since this disease is considered fatal and dangerous, the World Health Organization has taken care of educating people and making organized programs to reduce this disease. [10] The severity of this disease increases with age [11], race [12], family history [13], obesity [14], laziness and lethargy [15], smoking [16], drinking alcohol [17], a rich diet. With sodium and poor in potassium [18], and the presence of other chronic diseases that may exacerbate the disease.…”