Blood pressure pattern and hypertension rates among selected tribal population of Kerala

Received: January 15, 2017; Accepted: February 02, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer have replaced communicable diseases as the leading cause of mortality in most parts of the world including India. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to describe the normal pattern of blood pressure and to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among a selected tribal population of Kerala. Conclusion: The tribal population's mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was similar to those of rural population of Kerala. Alcohol intake and obesity were found to be associated with hypertension; hence, health education on harmful effects of alcohol and benefits of a balanced diet should be given to the tribal population. Blood Pressure; Tribal Population; Risk Factors; Joint National Committee 8 INTRODUCTION Since time immemorial, humanity has been affected by various diseases, the pattern of which keeps changing based on the level of evolution. [...]the 20th century, communicable diseases such as plague, cholera, tuberculosis used to be the major contributors to mortality where as in the 21st century non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cancer have taken over as the major mortality contributors.™ Hypertension is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. [2] The World Health Organization world health statistics 2015 reported the global prevalence of hypertension as 25.9% among males and 24.8% among females. [3] High blood pressure possesses two fold higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, four times higher risk of congestive heart failure...