Prehypertension--a hidden risk of Indian subcontinent

Prehypertension as an entity has been given Importance after JNC VII report. The magnitude of this problem in India and the importance of recognising prehypertension is slowly growing and getting established. Under these circumstances it was decided to study the prevalence of prehypertension in the city of Belgaum in Karnataka and the literature was reviewed. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of prehypertension in the urban population of Belgaum above thirty years of age. The urban population of Belgaum city was screened for prehypertension and hypertension by measuring blood pressure of all individuals aged 30 years and above. Blood pressure of 52196 persons was checked and the data was analysed. JNC VII criteria was used for defining hypertension, prehypertension and normal blood pressure. Among 52196 persons prehypertension was present in 41.1%, 67.1% were in the age group of 30-50 years. The prevalence was similar in both male and female population. Thirty-three percent of diabetic population had prehypertension. About 22.8% of prehypertensives were obese. Prehypertension is highly prevalent in urban population of India, more often seen in persons below 50 years of age. This study recognises the importance of detection of prehypertension and emphasises the need for mass education on life style modification to prevent the development of hypertension and its complications.