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Ethnic subgroup differences in hypertension in Pakistan
Tazeen H Jafar1, Andrew S Levey, Fahim H Jafary
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of Hypertension
|April 26, 2003
Summary
Hypertension prevalence varies significantly across South Asian ethnic subgroups, with Baluchis showing the highest rates. These ethnic differences in hypertension risk persist even after accounting for other factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- South Asians exhibit elevated cardiovascular risks globally.
- Ethnic subgroup variations in hypertension prevalence are not well understood.
- Hypertension is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variations in hypertension prevalence among distinct South Asian ethnic subgroups.
- To identify ethnic-specific risk factors for hypertension in South Asians.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey using data from the National Health Survey of Pakistan (1990-1994).
- Included 9442 individuals aged 15 years and older.
- Defined hypertension as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or current antihypertensive therapy.
Main Results:
- Hypertension prevalence was highest in Baluchis (41.4% in women, 25.3% in men) and lowest in Sindhis and Punjabis.
- Ethnic differences in hypertension persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic, dietary, and clinical risk factors.
- An approximately threefold difference in hypertension prevalence was observed between ethnic groups (Baluchi vs. Sindhi).
Conclusions:
- Significant ethnic variations in hypertension prevalence exist within the South Asian population.
- These ethnic disparities in hypertension are not explained by measured risk factors.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology and guide therapeutic strategies for hypertension in diverse South Asian ethnic groups.