Undiagnosed hypertension in young professional educators: Recent update

Abstract

Background: Professional educators are facing various workplace issues, which can aggravate the non-communicable disease like hypertension (HTN). Work pressure, stress, work load, and sedentary lifestyle are major factors reported. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HTN with new guidelines among professional medical educators of Vadodara city. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of HTN with new guidelines and its correlation with associated factors in professional educators. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 220 professional medical educators in Vadodara city. Data on socio-demographic profile, different risk factors, and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. HTN was recorded according to pre-defined criteria’s and described by new AHA guidelines. Factors associated with HTN analyzed by Chi-square test (χ2). Results: The prevalence of elevated BP among professional educators was approximately 80% as per new AHA guidelines. The mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, and pulse pressure were found to be 126.73±6.02, 82.02±3.02, 96.32±3.46, and 42.05±4.99, respectively. HTN was found to be associated with age and body mass index (BMI) (χ2 P < 0.05). Author also found that 41–50 years of age group BP were found to be elevated in more than 55% of population. Conclusion: Study found that BP found to be elevated in more than 50% subjects even with normal BMI. The percentage we found for Stage I HTN cannot be ignored even in such a small group. Studies in large group or longer time are recommended and prevalence data need to be revised for prevention and management of HTN as per the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.