Hypertension and Its Risk Factors in the Population Covered by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Introduction:  Hypertension is recognized as one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between hypertension and its risk factors in the population referring to comprehensive health care centers affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on the health assessment data of the population aged ۳۰ years and above registered in the SINA system in ۲۰۱۷-۲۰۱۸. The present case-control study was conducted on ۱۵۰۰ cases who were selected by systematic random sampling and assigned to the case group (۵۰۰ hypertensive patients) and control group (۱۰۰۰ subjects without a history of hypertension). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version ۲۲). A p-value less than ۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant. Results: Based on the results, the risk factors for hypertension included settlement in urban areas (OR=۲.۹۱۴), body mass index≥ ۲۵ (OR = ۲.۵۲۲), waist circumference˃۹۰ (OR=۲.۴۰۹), sedentary lifestyle (OR=۲.۳۷۳), consumption of solid oil (OR=۱.۵۸۱), triglyceride level of ˃۱۵۰ (OR=۵۶۶), use of table salt (OR=۱.۵۴۷). On the other hand, the following were identified as protective factors against hypertension: hard labor jobs (OR=۰.۲۹۲), optimal physical activity (OR=۰.۴۲۱), and regular consumption of vitamin D (OR=۰.۶۲۵) (p <۰.۰۵). Conclusion: The results will not only provide a solid foundation on potency of risk factors and protective factors for hypertension but will also give an invaluable insight to the health planning programs. The reduced prevalence of hypertension can be planned for with the identification of related risk and protective factors.

Keywords:

Hypertension , Relative frequency , Risk factors