Assessment of Physical Activity and Hypertension among Educated Adults

Abstract

Introduction: High blood pressure, is the most common cardiovascular disease and is defined as chronically elevated blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg. If not treated this disease is a serious public health problem and significantly increases one’s risk of developing coronary artery disease and stroke. Physical activity is one of the main techniques used to reduce blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality. Several epidemiological studies have reported an inverse relationship between blood pressure and physical activity. Objective: To assess the prevalence of hypertension and the relationship between physical activity and hypertension among adults. Methodology: The sample size was calculated taking the prevalence of hypertension as 30%, level of significance 5%, with permissible error of 10%, the total sample size to be taken was 92 aged 30 to 69 years including 10% as the non-compliance rate. Blood pressure was measured with the help of WHO recommended digital BP measuring machine (OMRON make model HEM 907) during interview in sitting posture. Physical activity was evaluated by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) recommended by WHO to measure physical activity among adults from 15-69 years. Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed with the help of statistical software SPSS 16.0 trial version. Physical activity scores were used to categorize the respondents and the relationship with their BP was observed. Results and conclusion:The prevalence of hypertension is 64.0% in physically highly active group and 50.0 % in physically less active group. This shows that physical activity prevent and control hypertension along with some other variables.