Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Essential Hypertension

Abstract

Three hundred patients with essential hypertension, attending the hypertension clinic of Mayo Hospital, Lahore were evaluated for other cardiovascular risk factors. The BP was measured carefully following standard procedure. The risk factors studied were diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, obesity, left ventricular hypertrophy, hyperuricaemia, physical inactivity and occupational stress. A detailed history was taken and complete physical examination was performed. Personal bio-data like age, sex, weight, height, occupation, life style and history of cigarette smoking was collected. Laboratory investigations included total serum lipid profile, fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood sugar levels, blood urea, serum creatinine and serum uric acid levels. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography were done to determine left ventricular hypertrophy. Mean systolic blood pressure was 170 mm Hg while mean diastolic blood pressure was 104 mm Hg. Family history of hypertension was present in 35% of the Patients. The prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors was as follows: diabetes mellitus 49%, hypercholesterolaemia 39.3%, smoking 34%, obesity 49.3%, Physical inactivity 44.3%, hyperuricaemia 40.3% and left ventricular hypertrophy in 26%. Patients with essential hypertension frequently have other cardiovascular risk factors. It is therefore recommended that hypertensive patients should routinely be screened for such risk factors to determine the overall cardiovascular risk. This is important to optimize their treatment in order to reduce the mortality and morbidity from the cardiovascular disease.