Higher Pressure Values Research Articles

Prevalence of prediabetes and its comorbidities in the Mexican pediatric population

Background: prediabetes is a state observed before type-2 diabetes. Nowadays the obesity epidemic could be due to a rise in the incidence of prediabetes. Mexico has public policies for the management of non-communicable diseases. However, obesity rates continue to increase. The aim of this study was to elaborate on a diagnosis of prediabetes in the pediatric Mexican population, and compare the proportions of comorbidities that children with and without prediabetes had. Methods: a cross-sectional study was performed with 569 participants of 4 to 19 years of age from public schools. Anthropometric (weight, height, and waist circumference), clinical (blood pressure), and biochemical (fasting glucose, lipidic profile, and uric acid) variables were collected. Results: in all, 8.6 % of the population had prediabetes. Variables with the highest altered prevalence included triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. Boys had higher rates of prediabetes, altered BP, and hyperuricemia than girls. Children with prediabetes had a greater risk of elevated waist circumference, blood pressure, and uric acid measures. Conclusions: the Mexican pediatric population had elevated rates of prediabetes. Furthermore, the group with prediabetes had a higher risk of presenting high values of triglycerides, blood pressure, uric acid, and total cholesterol.

Changes in body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in relation to the reduction in body mass index in adolescents with obesity.

Introduction: there are controversial data in relation to the reduction in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) needed to improve adiposity in the pediatric population with obesity. The aim of this work was to determine the minimum variation in BMI-SDS required to improve the values of adiposity markers and cardiometabolic risk factors in growing adolescents with obesity. Methods: a longitudinal study consisting of clinical evaluation (waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass index, and blood pressure) and blood testing (insulin resistance and lipid profile) was conducted in 350 adolescents with obesity (152 boys and 198 girls) aged 10.2-14.3 years who went through a combined intervention (12 months). Results: a decrease in SDS-BMI ≤ 0.5 was not associated with any significant improvement in the clinical features and blood testing recorded. A decrease in BMI-SDS > 0.5, and especially if > 1.0, was linked to a significant improvement in adiposity markers. A decrease in BMI-SDS > 0.5 was associated with a significant improvement in insulin resistance, and a decrease in BMI-SDS > 1.0 was associated with a significant decrease in the percentage of patients who showed high values of systolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile Conclusions: improvement in body composition, insulin resistance, and lipid profile can be observed with reductions in BMI-SDS ≥ 0.5 in obese adolescents, while extended benefits are obtained by losing at least 1.0 BMI-SDS.

Multiphysics Analysis of Contact Pressure Profile of Airless tires as compared to Conventional Tires

Abstract The harsh climate of the Arctic has always posed significant challenges to car drivers. The severe loss in traction due to snow and icing on the roads has led to an increased risk of collisions. The chapter compares the conventional air-filled tire with a nonpneumatic tire to improve the grip in the Arctic conditions. The grip obtained for tires is determined by the weight of the car and the friction between the tire and the road. The friction coefficient, used to determine friction, is a function of the contact pressure. This chapter discusses research work to obtain a concentrated pressure profile for the airless tire, compared to a conventional tire. A finite element analysis using ANSYS® Workbench is performed on two distinct models. The different pressure profiles of the models are analyzed, and the results proved the nonpneumatic tires have a more concentrated pressure profile with higher-pressure values.

Starszy pacjent z uporczywymi omdleniami — trzy oblicza problemu

Elderly patients may have several cardiological diseases simultaneously responsible for the appearance of one specific symptom. In article we described the case of an 84-year-old man who was diagnosed during one hospitalization with a number of cardiovascular diseases that could cause syncope: symptomatic bradycardia, atrioventricular-nodal reentrant tachycardia, and orthostatic hypotension. Periodically high blood pressure values also occurred. Effective treatment was given to all these diseases, with symptoms resolving. The article discusses the management of these clinical situations, paying particular attention to elderly patients.

CFD Study of Industrial Safety Valves in a Virtual Environment with OpenFOAM® Software

Numerical advances in the numerical analysis of safety valves have enabled the development of approximated predictions related to the hydraulic behavior of turbulent flows, which influence the mechanical behavior of the main components coupled to the pneumatic system. Therefore, many studies have focused on the numerical analysis of the safety valves responsible for maintaining the system integrity subject to high-pressure values under real working conditions in a virtual and inexpensive environment through the CFD codes application with OpenFOAM software. Therefore, this paper is based on the technological prediction of the laminar or turbulent flows into a safety valve through the solution of the partial differential equations system, which describes the physical state of the pressure and mass flow rate in space and time. IcoFOAM solver has been applied to model the main flow fluctuations taken, considering the mean values of the pneumatic system. A mesh independence study has been used to compute and define the finite number of nodes and cells that discretize the continuous computational domain of the internal flow and generate an approximated numerical prediction of the safety valve performance, maintaining a low computational cost during the iterative solution of the conservation equations developed with computational tools. In this sense, the RANS KEpsilon approach has defined a high prediction of the turbulent flow behavior in a virtual environment with an error rate close to the 2 percent value between the numerical and the experimental models. This research shows a good agreement in the understanding of the physical phenomena with the computational tool application based on advanced theories of thermal and fluid mechanics sciences in a virtual environment.

An Experimental Intervention Study Assessing the Impact of a Thin Silicone Gel Surface Overlay on Interface Pressure.

Introduction The incidence of pressure ulcers (PUs) presents a substantial threat to patients, especially geriatric patients, those with restricted mobility, and patients suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer. PUs creates a huge financial burden on healthcare authorities and patients, costing billions to treat and manage. Radiography and radiotherapy patients may experience medical device related (MDR) PUs and studies have shown that high interface pressure (IP) values exist for the head when placed on an X-ray table without a mattress. These high IP values pose a PU risk to patients, especially those accessing prolonged radiography/radiology and radiotherapy procedures. The current study assessed the impact on IP values for the head from using a thin silicone gel surface overlay during radiographic procedures and identified whether this reduced the risk of PUs. Materials and Methods A calibrated XSENSOR pressure mat was used to measure IP for the head on an X-ray table with and without a thin silicone gel surface overlay. Prior to pressure mapping, the silicone gel surface overlay was assessed for its impact on radiation attenuation and image quality. Results Study participants were 14 males (70%) and six females (30%), with an age range of 25–53 years (mean = 34.4 ± 7.0). Paired-samples t-test results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean IP for the head on the X-ray table without the silicone gel surface overlay (mean = 83.9 ± 8.2 in mmHg) and the X-ray table with the gel surface overlay (mean = 62.4 ± 6.1 in mmHg), p ≤ 0.001. Paired-samples t-test results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean peak pressure index (PPI) for the head on the X-ray table without the silicone gel surface overlay (mean = 205.1 ± 28.2 in mmHg) and the X-ray table with the gel surface overlay (mean = 159.8 ± 26.8 in mmHg), p ≤ 0.001. Conclusions The use of a thin silicone gel surface overlay could reduce IP risk for the head by approximately 25%. The reduction in IP risk could have a significant impact in reducing the risk of developing a PU. To ensure maximum benefit, the silicone gel surface overlay should be evaluated to address the specific needs within radiography and radiotherapy planning and treatment settings.

Understanding the role of temporal variation of environmental variables in predicting Aedes aegypti oviposition activity in a temperate region of Argentina

Environmental variables related to vegetation and weather are some of the most influential factors that impacting Aedes (Stegomya) aegypti, a mosquito vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. In this paper, we aim to develop temporal predictive models for Ae. aegypti oviposition activity utilizing vegetation and meteorological variables as predictors in Córdoba city (Argentina). Eggs were collected using ovitraps placed throughout the city from 2009 to 2012 that were replaced weekly. Temporal generalized linear mixed models were developed with negative binomial distributions of errors that model average number of eggs collected weekly as a function of vegetation and meteorological variables with time lags. The best model included a vegetation index, vapor pressure of water, precipitation and photoperiod. With each unit of increment in vegetation index per week the average number of eggs increased by 1.71 in the third week. Furthermore, each millimeter increase of accumulated rain during 4 weeks was associated with a decrease of 0.668 in the average number of eggs found in the following week. This negative effect of precipitation could occur during abundant rainfalls that fill containers completely, thereby depriving females of oviposition sites and leading them to search for other suitable breeding sites. Furthermore, the average number of eggs increased with the photoperiod at low values of mean vapor pressure; however the average number of eggs decreased at high values of mean vapor pressure, and the positive relationship between the response variable and mean vapor pressure was stronger at low values of photoperiod. Additionally, minimum temperature was associated positively with oviposition activity and that low minimum temperatures could be a limiting factor in Ae. aegypti oviposition activity. Our results emphasize the important role that climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and vapor pressure play in Ae. aegypti oviposition activity and how these variables along with vegetation indices can be used to inform predictive temporal models of Ae. aegypti population dynamics that can be used for informing mosquito population control and arbovirus mitigation strategies.

Robust freeze-drying process re-design of a legacy product based on risk analysis and design of experiments

In this study, a QbD freeze-drying process re-design applied to a lyophilized injectable drug product is presented. The main objective was to assess the freeze-drying process robustness using risk analysis and a proper experimental design. First, the product’s thermal fingerprint was characterized by thermal analysis and freeze-drying microscopy. Then, according to the output of the risk analysis, primary drying temperature and pressure were studied by a Doehlert DoE design with four responses; primary drying time, appearance, residual moisture content, and reconstitution time. Statistically significant MLR models were obtained for residual moisture content and primary drying time. In the latter, the temperature factor was the predominant factor to predict the duration of the primary drying stage. Two additional lab-scale batches were run to confirm the mathematical model predictions. Finally, optimal primary drying conditions (30 °C, 0.400 mbar) were selected to minimize the duration of the primary drying stage, while preserving the quality of the product. It was possible to set high temperature and pressure values because no collapse temperature was found during the thermal characterization of the product. Secondary drying temperature and time were defined based on the residual moisture content results. It was shown that secondary drying is robust between 30 °C and 50 °C and from 3 to 16 h. In conclusion, we were able to define a robust freeze-drying process which was further validated at an industrial scale with satisfactory results and approved by the health authorities in different countries around Europe.

Friction Characteristic Calculations during Cylinder’s Sliding Contact over the Wavy Viscoelastic Base

The formulation and method for solving the contact problem of the rigid cylinder sliding over the wavy surface of the viscoelastic layer bonded to the rigid base is presented under the assumption that the cylinder axis is perpendicular to the surface waviness cross-section. The calculation results allow assessing the effects of sliding velocity, surface layer microgeometry, and its relaxation properties on the contact characteristics (the position and size of the actual contact region and the contact pressure distribution) and on the friction force’s deformation component. Depending on the sliding velocity, the contact region may be solid or consisting of discrete contact spots with high values of the maximum contact pressure for the same surface waviness. It is also established that the friction force increases with increasing waviness amplitude and viscosity of the surface layer.

Decomposition temperatures and vapour pressures of selected ionic liquids for electrochemical applications

The thermal behaviour of selected ionic liquids, potentially useful as electrolyte components in electrochemical devices, formed by ammonium or imidazolium cations combined with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C2F6NO4S2, TFSI) or bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (F2NO4S2, FSI) anions, was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The liquid with the FSI anion decomposes at lower temperatures than those based on TFSI. Among ionic liquids with the TFSI anion, the stability in scanning mode with different cations decreases in the order 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (C6H11N2, EMI) > N-trimethyl-N-butylammonium (C7H18N, N1114) ≈ N-trimethyl-N(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium (C6H16NO, N111(2O1)) > N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium (C8H20NO, N122(2O1)) ≈ N-trimethyl-N-propylammonium (C6H16N, N1113). Moreover, the vapour pressure of the six ionic liquids was obtained by means of long-lasting isothermal heating at temperatures between 150 and 300 °C. The highest pressure values were obtained in the order N1114 FSI > EMI TFSI > N122(2O1) TFSI > N1114 TFSI > N111(2O1) TFSI > N1113 TFSI.

On the Applicability of Lindemann’s Law for the Melting of Alkali Metals

The experimental melting data for alkali metals reported in the literature reveal that the melting temperature becomes maximum at a particular value of high pressure and then decreases with the increase in pressure. We demonstrate in the present communication that the Lindemann law does not yield negative values for the melting slopes of solids at high pressures as far as the bulk modulus increases and the Gruneisen parameter decreases with the increase in pressure such that the pressure derivative of bulk modulus and the Gruneisen parameter remain positive finite. Arafin and Singh have produced an agreement with the experimental melting data for alkali metals with the help of the Lindemann law using quadratic equations in powers of pressure for the Gruneisen parameter and bulk modulus. These quadratic equations are shown here to be inadequate and invalid at high pressures. For explaining the negative slopes of the melting curves, we need a theory of melting which should take into account the structural and electronic changes at melting. We present a discussion of some very important and highly relevant studies (Martinez-Canales and Bergara; Deng and Lee) based on fundamental considerations and ab initio calculations used recently for explaining the turnover in the melting curves of alkali metals and ferropericlase, an important Earth lower mantle mineral. The structural and electronic changes are responsible for the anomalous thermoelastic behavior yielding negative values of elastic moduli and Gruneisen parameter both, thus making the Lindemann law applicable to materials under study.

Treating sleep disorders to improve blood pressure control and cardiovascular prevention: a dream come true?-a narrative review.

Hypertension is one of the primary risk factors for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death worldwide. Current evidence supports the treatment of high blood pressure (BP) values in order to obtain a substantial reduction of cardiovascular burden. Sleep plays an important role in maintaining nocturnal BP control and nocturnal hypertension which, in turn, can be affected by the presence of sleep disorders. Whilst respiratory disturbances have been extensively studied and their causal role in the development of nocturnal hypertension has been demonstrated in both cross sectional and prospective studies, less is known about the impact of other sleep disorders such as insomnia. In this review, we aim to describe the role of sleep disorders in the development of nocturnal and diurnal hypertension. Furthermore, we aim to discuss the potential impact of the treatment of such sleep disorders on BP values as an adjunct treatment for patients with hypertension.

Theoretical and numerical investigations on resonant characteristics of two piezoelectric plates coupled with a finite fluid field

The vibration characteristics of two piezoelectric cantilevered plates in air and water are investigated in this study. The two-piezoelectric-plate system can provide different vibration characteristics compared to the previous studies in which only one cantilever plate is used because the anti-phase motion can be evoked in this newly designed system. First, the vibration characteristics of the plates coupled with a bounded compressible inviscid fluid are derived by theoretical analysis. The governing equation of the piezoelectric plate and the superposition method are used to analyze the vibration displacement of the piezoelectric plate, and the acoustic wave equation is used to derive the fluid equation. The frequency eigenfunction of the coupled system is derived by the boundary conditions of hydrostatic equilibrium. After solving the characteristics equation, the resonant frequencies and corresponding mode shapes for assumptions about both compressible and incompressible fluids and the velocity and pressure fields of the fluid can be obtained. Next, finite element analysis (FEA) is used to verify the theoretical results. It is shown from this study that the theoretical predictions of resonant frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes have a good agreement with those of the FEA for water and compressible fluid assumption of air. The unique high pressure value in the outer or middle layer in an air-coupled condition does not occur in water because water’s compressibility is relatively smaller than that of air. The influence of the depth and properties of the fluid on the behavior of the coupled solid–fluid is also investigated. For anti-phase motion, the frequency variation with change in the depth of the middle layer is similar to that of the outer layer for both air- and water-coupled conditions. For in-phase motion, the variation in frequency with the change in the depth of the middle layer is negligible. The particular modes in fluid compounded by modes in vacuum are analyzed on the distortion of mode shapes at higher resonant modes. These results can provide complete information on the vibration characteristics of a solid–fluid coupled system and will contribute to the evolution of hydroacoustic devices in which two piezoelectric plates are used.

Screening Services in a Community Pharmacy in Poznan (Poland) to Increase Early Detection of Hypertension.

Background: Community pharmacies in many countries around the world provide healthcare services for patients. Pharmacists trained as medication experts provide a wide range of patient care services related to medication therapy, patient education, disease prevention, and health promotion. Professional training, expertise, and skills qualify pharmacists to engage in health screenings. These screening programs performed by community pharmacists can help to identify risk factors, facilitate early detection of common diseases, and assist physicians with making effective diagnoses. Objectives: In this study, we created and tested a novel model to provide professional monitoring and counseling on blood pressure by community pharmacists. The aims of the study were to identify the prevalence of elevated blood pressure among patients visiting a community pharmacy and describe the demographic characteristics of patients with hypertension (sex, age, education, body weight, and hypertension risk factors). Methods: The research project was conducted in an accredited community pharmacy in Poznan, Poland, from January to April 2019. A total of 118 anonymous patients (30.5% men and 69.5% women) participated in this study. To qualify for this study, participants had to be older than 18 years of age and have no previous diagnosis of hypertension or other cardiovascular disease. Results: Based on the blood pressure screenings, 61.9% of patients were qualified for the standard consultation (SC: normal blood pressure), 21.2% for the intensive consultation (IC: normal blood pressure and hypertension risk factor), 16.9% patients with elevated blood pressure for the high-risk consultation (HRC: referred to a physician), and 3.4% received a diagnosis of hypertension. We qualified 35.6% with a high-pressure value (greater than 140/90 mmHg). Conclusions: The novel model for blood pressure control screening and counseling implemented in a generally accessible community pharmacy may help with early detection of hypertension problems, lead to initiation of effective patient counseling by a community pharmacist, and result in early referral of the patient to a physician.

Ultrasonic weld strength and weld microstructure characteristics in multi-strand aluminum cables (EN AW-1370) – Effect of process parameters

Abstract Analysis of the joint strength between multiple thin aluminum strands in multi-strand single core cables after ultrasonic welding was carried out by performing T-peel tests. Herewith, the effect of two process parameters, namely the sonotrode pressure and the amplitude of sonotrode vibrations on the joint strength was studied. It was found that a larger applied pressure resulted in a larger maximum T-peel force, while large magnitudes of pressure and amplitude at the same time decreased the fracture energy of the weld and resulted in a weak joint. Furthermore, 3D reconstruction of the images captured by computer tomography of the joint revealed that for a high pressure value and a low value of vibration amplitude, the structure of the weld under the sonotrode was much more compact compared to a high value of vibration amplitude and a low value of pressure. To this end, volume fraction of the gaps between the aluminum strands inside the microstructure of the weldment was quantified and compared between specimens with different process parameters. Finally, a correlation between the joint strength and the microstructure porosity (voids) of the weldment has been presented and discussed.

The Influence of an Operating Conditions on the Friction Coefficient in Transportation Machines Drives

Abstract The publication presents the construction of the station for testing the friction coefficient under high pressure and low slip velocity values. These conditions of cooperation of friction pairs occur in the drives of transport machines such as belt conveyors and suspended monorails. The value of the friction coefficient, depending on the operating conditions such as moisture and rock or coal dust pollution, has a significant impact on the correct and efficient operation of such drives. The features of the station allow mapping the operating conditions on a laboratory scale. As part of the research, appropriate friction samples made of rubber or polyurethane were prepared. Referring to the conditions of conveyor operation and conditions of contact of the conveyor belt with the drive drum, the values of unit pressures and values of slip speed occurring in the drum drive of the belt conveyor were determined. A series of laboratory tests were carried out for the friction pair rubber drum lining – conveyor belt cover. The tests were carried out for four different states of friction vapor surfaces, namely for dry and wet samples, as well as for samples in clean or contaminated with stone dust. As a result of the tests, the values of friction coefficients for various surface states were determined, which will be valuable information for designers of friction drive systems of transport devices.

ACUTE PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT As the population ages, health conditions, including hypertension (HT), which is one of the most prevalent diseases in the elderly population, increase. Regular physical exercise has been recommended for hypertensive individuals; however, due to the variety of factors involved in exercise, different acute responses can be achieved. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the acute effect of physical exercise on blood pressure (BP) in elderly hypertensive patients and of its applicability to the treatment of HT. The search was performed in electronic databases available at Pubmed/Medline, Scopus and Bireme from 2008 to 2018, using the terms “acute physical exercise and hypertension and elderly”. A total of 592 articles were found, and after applying the inclusion criteria, 9 articles were selected to form the analysis. All studies evaluated the acute effect of the exercise session and the acute effect of the session after a training period in male and female hypertensive individuals aged 60 years or over. The results indicate that in spite of the heterogeneity of training methods, all intervention protocols used in these studies were effective in promoting BP reduction post exercise when compared to the control group. However, there is still a gap in the reviewed literature regarding the maintenance time of post exercise hypotension (PEH) in the elderly. This information could suggest how long individuals undergoing physical exercise would be “protected” from high blood pressure values and their health risks, and help plan physical exercise sessions at the precise time the hypotensive effect ceases to be present. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies-Investigation of treatment results.

Nature of the DLA towards Q 0528−250: High pressure and strong UV field revealed by excitation of C i, H2, and Si ii

ABSTRACT We present the detection of excited fine-structure energy levels of singly ionized silicon and neutral carbon associated with the proximate damped Lyman-α system at zabs = 2.811 towards Q 0528−250. This absorber has an apparent relative velocity that is inconsistent with the Hubble flow indicating motion along the line-of-sight towards the quasar, i.e. zabs > zem. We measure the metallicity of the system to be [Zn/H] = −0.68 ± 0.02. Using the relative populations of the fine-structure levels of Si ii and C i, as well as the populations of H2 rotational levels, we constrain the physical conditions of the gas. We derive hydrogen number densities of $n_{\rm H}=190^{+70}_{-50}$ cm−3 and $260^{+30}_{-20}$ cm−3 in two velocity components where both C i and H2 are detected. Taking into account the kinetic temperature in each component, ∼150 K, we infer high values of thermal pressure in the cold neutral medium probed by the observations. The strengths of the UV field in Draine’s unit are $I_{\rm UV} = 10^{+5}_{-3}$ and $14^{+3}_{-3}$ in each of these two components, respectively. Such enhanced UV fluxes and thermal pressure compared to intervening DLAs are likely due to the proximity of the quasar. The typical size of the absorber is ∼104 au. Assuming the UV flux is dominated by the quasar, we constrain the distance between the quasar and the absorber to be ∼150−200 kpc. This favours a scenario where the absorption occurs in a companion galaxy located in the group where the quasar-host galaxy resides. This is in line with studies in emission that revealed the presence of several galaxies around the quasar.

1-2VASCULAR STIFFNESS ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSIVE URGENCY IN A CARDIOLOGICAL UNIT IN SOUTH INDIA

Introduction: Hypertensive urgency is raised in systolic blood pressure greater than 120mmHg without evidence for target organ damage. Vascular stiffness can be assessed using oscillometric devices and determine cardiovascular risk for increased vascular age. When uncontrolled hypertensive urgency, manifests as a hypertensive emergency, which is high systolic and diastolic blood pressure values with target organ damage. Aim: To estimate the values of central blood pressure (CBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with hypertensive urgency in a South Indian population. Methods and materials: We included 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of hypertensive crisis with no end target organ damage, who entered the emergency outpatient clinics at Kasturba Medical hospital, Mangalore. The PWV, pulse pressure (PP), CBP, brachial pressure (BP) were evaluated using the noninvasive Agedio B900 device (Germany). Statistical data was processed in SPSS software; significant differences were considered at p < 0,05. Results: Average age of patients was 63.35 ± 9.74 years, 30% were females and 70% males. Average brachial systolic BP was 191,42 ± 9,88 mmHg. Average central systolic blood pressure was 178.35 ± 28.61 mm Hg, and the average central diastolic blood pressure was 115.64 ± 8.01. PWV for each patient was higher than the reference range for age with values of 11.74 ± 1.74 m/s. Median of increased vascular age compared to biological age of patients was 11 years. Student's t-test showed statistically significant difference between PWV measured in males and females (M-11.17 ± 1.74, F-10.85 ± 1.3; p = 0.008). Values of PWV showed a positive correlation with age (r = 0.838, p < 0.00001). Central systolic blood pressure shows a weak positive correlation with PWV (r = 0.1294, p = 0.05). Conclusions: The reason for increase in vascular stiffness in coastal population in India could be high salt intake, irregular diet and sleep. Pre-assessment reduces the risk of cardiovascular accidents occurrence and increases the quality of life.

Hypertension and its Underlying Socioeconomic Factors among People in Rural Area, Nain Sukh

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Hypertension is a major health concern worldwide and is showing an alarming increase in prevalence. In Pakistan, there is limited community-based research on its prevalence and control. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension and assess the relationship between hypertension and life style of people in the defined population of village of Nain Sukh, Punjab-Pakistan.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Community Health Sciences, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, after an ethical approval. In this study, 190 individuals of both genders, aged 40 and above were examined. The weights and heights of the patients and two readings of blood pressure at 15 minutes interval were recorded in relevant proformas. Information regarding their socioeconomic profile and lifestyle was also obtained through a structured questionnaire.Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze data hence taking P-value ≤ 0.05 as significant.<br /><strong>Result:</strong> Among N = 190 individuals, 34.7% were males and 65.3% were females. Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 44.2%. Out of these, 40% were known hypertensive and the disease was controlled in only 34%. The disease is more prevalent in males than females (P = 0.012). A total of 73.8% of housewives had high blood pressure values (P = 0.031). Families having more than 5 family members also showed greater prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.007).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> In rural settings, there are more cases of high blood pressure common among males of the community. There is major role of psychosocial factors such as stress of larger family size, sedentary lifestyle of females (housewives) in development of hypertension. These factors should be considered important along with other dietary and lifestyle factors.</p>