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Evolution of systemic hypertension in Pakistani population
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi.
Insights
Essential hypertension is rising in Pakistan despite lower BMI. Factors include genetics, urbanization, and sedentary lifestyles, particularly affecting females and middle-aged individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Essential hypertension prevalence is increasing in Pakistan.
- This trend persists despite generally lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and nutritional profiles in the population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential factors contributing to the rising prevalence of essential hypertension in Pakistan.
- To review existing population studies conducted within Pakistan.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of population studies conducted in Pakistan.
- Analysis of demographic and lifestyle factors associated with hypertension.
Main Results:
- Hypertension prevalence is 3-4% in childhood, rising sharply by middle age.
- Key contributing factors identified include genetic susceptibility, female gender, urbanization, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.
- Cultural practices promoting sedentary behavior in females are also implicated.
Conclusions:
- The rising essential hypertension rates in Pakistan are multifactorial.
- Genetic predisposition combined with environmental and lifestyle changes, particularly urbanization and sedentary habits, are significant drivers.
- Targeted interventions addressing these specific factors are needed.
Abstract:
The prevalence of essential hypertension is alarmingly increasing in Pakistani population inspite of the demographics being of lower BMI and nutrition. In this review, the possible factors responsible for this increase are identified by reviewing the population studies conducted in Pakistan. The prevalence rate is about 3 - 4% in childhood and steeply rises near the middle age. The factors peculiar to Pakistan were increased genetic susceptibility, environmental factors such as gender, females gender, urbanization, obesity and sedentary life styles particularly in middle age, cultural practices promoting sedentary life style in female.
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