The Pattern of Hypertension and the Population Attributable Proportion of Hypertension-Related Stroke in Hamadan Province from 2005 to 2009

Considering the high prevalence of hypertension and its increasing trend in Iran as the most important known modifiable risk factor of stroke, this study was performed to determine the pattern of hypertension and the related population attributable fraction (PAF) of stroke in Hamadan Province. Blood pressure data of over-19-year-old population of Hamadan Province from 2005 to 2009 was extracted from the non-communicable diseases risk factors surveillance system. The point prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of hypertension was reported in the study population according to sex and age groups. The trend of hypertension was depicted using a line plot. To calculate PAF, the data of the prevalence of hypertension in 2009 was used. Corresponding hazard ratio was obtained from the available literature. The prevalence of hypertension was 9.4 (8.2 – 10.6) in 2005, 7.5 (5.9 – 9.3) in 2006, 14.2 (12.1 – 16.5) in 2007, 13.8 (11.7 – 16.1) in 2008, and 12.2 (10.3- 14.5) in 2009. The mean and standard deviation of systolic blood pressure was 120.88 (19.73) and 124.19 (19.24) in the participants in 2005 and 2009, respectively. The study results showed that 19.84% of the strokes in Hamadan Province were due to hypertension. The results of this study confirmed the considerable contribution of hypertension to stroke in Hamadan Province. Accordingly, policy makers are strongly recommended to consider controlling and preventive strategies for hypertension as a priority.