Distribution of blood pressure in Bandar Abbas population aged higher than 18 years in 2002

High blood pressure is an important health problem in developing countries. It is the one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure) and stroke. This study was designed to determine prevalence and distribution of the hypertension in Bandar Abbas population who aged higher than 18 years.
In this cross –sectional study 2078 subjects (1397 women , 681 men) were selected through a cluster randomized sampling procedure and their data including age, BMI , marriage status, and hypertension family history were collected. In addition, blood pressure was determined in two arms after 10 minutes of rest. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, ANOVA, covariance analysis, and correlation tests with 95% confidence intervals.
A total of %21 of subjects were hypertensive (BP> 140/90 mm Hg). Systolic blood pressure was positively correlated to age but diastolic blood pressure had no significant changes in ages upper than 64 yr. Mean of blood pressure in men was upper than women. Marriage status (age was controlled) and positive family history in two sex had significant effect on blood pressure.
Identification of high blood pressure risk factors is important and can help health policy makers to find high risk groups, increase the screening efficiency, and establish preventive measures. In addition, periodic blood pressure measurement in high risk groups seems to be necessary.