Evaluation of the inter-arm blood pressure difference in subjects with hypertension in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra state

Abstract

Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevated blood pressure with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140mmHg or more and a diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or more. The evaluation of the inter-arm blood pressure difference in subjects with hypertension in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra state was done via sampling techniques. The study population was obtained using convenience sampling method and comprised of male and female hypertensive patients aged 25 to 90 years, from the cardiology unit NAUTH Nnewi. Normotensive subjects of the same age range and gender were used as control. The sample size was determined to be 70 subjects using this formula: n= (z2pq)/d2). The result of the finding showed that there was a significant increase in the mean age when the control was compared to the hypertensive group, and no significant difference in their weight, height and BMI. Furthermore, the findings of this research also supported a significant increase in the left arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the control compared to the hypertensive groups. Also, the mean right systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant increase when the control was compared to the hypertensive group. The inter-arm systolic and diastolic blood pressure had no significant difference when control was compared to the hypertensive group.