Risk factors of hypertension among adult men: Evidence from a real world outcomes investigation in a Western Indian population

Hypertension is a significant public health concern of world-wide distribution and is also the most common cardiovascular disease risk factor. This study was an attempt to determine the relationship of age, gender, family history, diet, medical history, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption and different lifestyles as risk factors in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India (in diagnosed male hypertensive patients). The questionnaire was administered by the investigator by a face to face interview where the questionnaire was filled by the investigator. Only patients who were known cases of Hypertension were interviewed. Odds ratios, z value, estimate, standard error and P value were calculated using logistic regression analysis to estimate the relation between hypertension status and the risk factors. The study comprised of 500 patients and the mean (SD) age was 47(10.88). Amongst the risk factors in metabolic syndrome, (diabetes, hyperlipidemia, CVD), weight, waist circumference in cms, hip circumference in cms, body mass index and waist to hip ratio, smoking, oral tobacco consumption, physical activity/sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption and excessive salt intake was found to be have a significant association (P < 0.01 for all factors) with presence of hypertension. Family history of female parents showed significant association. Dietary habits, socioeconomic status, religion, language did not show any discernible association with risk of hypertension. Our findings strongly support the current state of the art evidence regarding the risk factors of hypertension and underline the need for national policy for its eradication.