Blood Pressure in Relation to Age and Gender

Abstract

Hypertension is a disease defined as persistently elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) with systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. Age is one the most common predictor and non-modifiable risk factor of hypertension. Hypertension is more common among older adults than adults of 40-59 years of age. Gender is another common non-modifiable risk factor of hypertension. On average, hypertension is more common among men than in women. A Prospective observational study was carried out where all the patients of either sex attending general medicine department with established hypertension above 35 years of age were included. A Chi-square test was used to find a significant association between age & gender with hypertension. A p value of or lower than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Majority of the patients 65% were males and 35% were females and common age group was ≥60 years. CNS disorders were found in majority of the patients. Diuretics were the most prescribed class of drugs. There was a steady rise in the number of hypertensive patients with increase in age. Hypertension was more prevalent among males than in females. Factors like age and gender were found to be statistically significant associated with hypertension. Clinical pharmacist at an early stage need to monitor the BP and related risk factors and achieve the therapeutic goals, thereby enhancing the quality life span of the patient. Keywords: Hypertension, Gender, Age distribution, Clinical Pharmacist, Statistical, Blood Pressure