Prevalence of risk factors for hypertension: A cross-sectional study in an urban area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Bangladesh, especially in urban areas. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors in an urban area of Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving participants aged ≥ 25 years in an urban area in Dhaka between June-December 2012, using multi-stage random sampling. Data on socioeconomic status, tobacco use, physical activity, diet, extra-salt use, family history of hypertension, CVD, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were collected using modified WHO-STEPS protocol. Hypertension and pre-hypertension were defined according to JNC-7. Multiple logistic regressions models were used to identify risk factors associated with hypertension. Results: The overall age-adjusted prevalence hypertension and pre-hypertension among 730 participants was 23.7% and 19%, respectively, which was higher among males compared to females (23.6% vs 21.71% and 21.7% vs 17.0%, respectively). Bivariate analysis showed significant relationship of hypertension with age, BMI, no physical activity, tobacco use, extra salt intake and family history of stroke/cardiovascular disease. In the multivariate model, factors significantly associated with hypertension were older age (OR 19.18, 95% CI 13.58–28.11), smoking (OR 3.47, 95% CI 2.85–5.19), extra salt intake (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–2.21), and high waist circumference (OR 3.41, 95% CI 2.81–5.29). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was high among our study participants. Population-based intervention programs and policies for increased awareness about the risk factors, and life-style modification are essential for prevention of hypertension.

Cardiovascular Disease in Bangladesh: A Review

“…100 Extra salt intake along with age, BMI, physical inactivity, tobacco use and family history of stroke/CVD was found to have significant relationship with hypertension and pre-hypertension in a cross-sectional survey involving participants aged e" 25 years in an urban area in Dhaka between June to December 2012. 101 Also, more than 35 million people in coastal Bangladesh are vulnerable to increasing freshwater salinization; elevated salinity in drinking water has been found to be associated with higher BP in young coastal populations. 102 The overall risk perception regarding excessive salt consumption is low and there is widespread belief that the cooking process can render the salt harmless.…”

Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among school teachers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…These findings are similar to other studies among adults in Bangladesh and India. 33,39 There were certain limitations in this study. First of all, cross-sectional study design limits the drawing of causal inferences.…”

“…33,34 Alcohol consumption was not the significant risk factor of HTN among teachers probably due to the fact that there were very few alcoholics (4.3%) among male teachers only. Study finding showed that 48.6% teachers were physically inactive ( Table 2).…”

Hypertension status among the adult population in a rural community of Keraniganj Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…8 Furthermore, a meta-analysis of studies between 1995 and 2010 found the pooled prevalence of hypertension to be 13.7%, with an increasing trend and higher rate in urban versus rural areas (22.2% vs 14.3%, respectively). 5 An epidemiological shift has been observed in the prevalence of hypertension in developing countries as compared to developed countries. Studies from India and Bangladesh have shown an upward trend in the prevalence of hypertension.…”

“…Despite effective therapies and lifestyle interventions, adequate control of hypertension remains a challenge. 5 Modern lifestyle factors are responsible for a growing burden of hypertension: physical inactivity, salt-rich diets with processed and fatty foods and alcohol and tobacco use. High BP can also be secondary to other conditions-kidney disease, for example.…”