Risk Factors Of Young Age Hypertension : A Case Control Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to assess the risk factors of primary hypertension in age group of 15 -40 years at Medical college hospital Trivandrum. METHODS: A Case control study was done to compare hypertensives and non hypertensives in the age group of 15-40 years. Cases were those attending the medicine OP department in the age group of 15 – 40 years and having a BP of more than 140/90 mm of mercury on two successive readings. Those in this age group with BP < 140/90 mm of mercury were taken as controls. 50 cases and 100 controls were identified. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Factors associated with hypertension in this age group by bivariable analysis included family history (OR-3.63, p- 0.0002), current smoking habit(OR-4.92, p- 0.004), smokeless tobacco user (OR-5.3, p- 0.01), Current drinker (OR-3.8,p-0.002). After multivariable analysis using logistic regression, family history was found to be an independent risk factor for hypertension in the young. CONCLUSION: Early screening for detection of hypertension among young people with family history & appropriate management are important needs of the hour.