48 Prevalence of Hypertension in Military Personnel During Routine Medical Check Up

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension and hypertension related diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A diagnosis of hypertension can have a serious occupational implications for military personnel. Objective: Our purpose was to provide an estimate prevalence of hypertension in active duty service members during routine medical check up in Dustira Military Hospital Method: We reviewed screening records for service members who completed health risk assessment in January - October 2016 at Dustira Military Hospital. The prevalence of HT were estimated from single recorded blood pressure reading and history of taking anti hypertensive medication. Results: Three hundred and sixty out of 393 of members met inclusion criteria. Another 33 subjects were excluded due to incomplete blood pressure measurement. The prevalence of hypertension was 10.7%, consist of 6.9% stage I; 3.8% stage II and 8.3% pre-hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in this young and fit population is quite common. Several studies have found prehypertension to be associated with overt hypertension this suggests that service members need to be educated to adopt healthy lifestyle to reduce cardiovascular risk.