Epidemiology of hypertension among urban population in Golestan province in north of Iran

High blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important health problem world-wide (2005), and risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. This study was determine the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) among urban subjects in Golestan of province, during 2005. This cross sectional study was done on 5000 subjects of 17-70 years old in different towns of Golestan province during 2005. Two equal ratios of both sexes were selected on random clustering sampling in the morning and afternoon. A questionnaire consisting of demographic data and clinical information such as electronic presser gauge filled by trained persons. All of the data analyzed using spss-11.5 and descriptive statistics. The result showed that 2500 male (50%) and 2500 (50%) female, ethenicity were (4.6%) Torkaman, (18.9%), and Sistani (76.4%) Fars group from age of 17 to 70 years old. This study on this basis criterion JNC-5 (46.4%) all of studied subjects had blood pressure normal, (22.6%) blood pressure high normal (21.4%), blood pressure light (7.4%), blood pressure medium and (2.2%) blood pressure severe. The prevalence high blood pressure among the urban population in this province in this province was 31%. Which is slightly higher than other regions in Iran and other part of the world. This issue can be considered in the health planing and theraputic programs in the region.