Prevalence and Risk Factors in Primary Hypertension in Young Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Primary hypertension (HTN) is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern among young adults, influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to explore the epidemiological patterns and biochemical markers linked to primary HTN in young medical students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary health care set-up. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of blood glucose, lipid profile and renal function tests. Various anthropometric, socio-demographic, family history of HTN and other clinical information were collected. The students were divided into two groups, that is, with HTN and without HTN followed by data analysis using appropriate statistical tests.  

Results: Among the 500 MBBS students, the prevalence of HTN was around 20% and various risk factors associated with the HTN are gender (male) (χ2=4.762;P=0.030), smoking habit (χ2=9.285;P=0.007) and higher BMI (χ2=8.299;P=0.040). Abnormal lipid profile especially triglycerides level was found to be higher (P=0.001) in students with HTN.

Conclusion: The significant association of various risk factors and higher prevalence of HTN in young MBBS students call for a close monitoring of risks factors in this population. Further, a multi-centric approach to this analysis will be helpful for risk stratification and management.