HYPERTENSION – THE SILENT KILLER, AWARENESS OF THE RISK FACTORS AND COMPLICATIONS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG HYPERTENSIVES.

Aims &Objectives:- In the study it was aimed to evaluate awareness of risk factors and complications of hypertension among hypertensive. Methods:- This study was carried out at Dr. PSIMS & RF, who attended outpatient department from May 2015 to January 2016 among 600 hypertensive patients. Results:- Out of 600 patients, majority of patient`s age was less than 55 years ie 64%. Females constitute majority of study population i.e 61%.In our studypeople with BMI more than 25 were more prone to hypertension. Majority of patients are illiterate i.e 68.7% Majority (89%) are aware that excess salt and lack of exercise constitute major risk for developing hypertension. Majority of patients among hypertensives were aware that they were more prone to heart damage (66.7%) followed by kidney damage (35.71%), Brain damage (34.7%) and others (19%) Conclusion:- Blood pressure is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular , kidney diseases and stroke. The awareness regarding hypertension is very poor amongst patients and normal people. Through this study we identified areas of importance that need to be considered by awareness programs. Masses should be educated on the risk factors, presenting features and complications of hypertension. This is possible through awareness programmes designed by health professionals and the government.