Risk Factors for Hypertension in Serving Uniform Personnel of Pakistan Navy

Abstract

Objective: To highlight the risk factors relevant to hypertension in Naval set up and to submit recommendations for a better control of these risk factors. Study Design: A retrospective study. Place & Period of study: The study was conducted over a three years period at PNS SHIFA and PNS RAHAT hospitals, Karachi, Pakistan, from Feb 2012 to Feb 2015. Subjects and Methods: Medical record of 118 diagnosed cases of Essential hypertension was retrieved from Pakistan Navy Medical Record Section (PNMRS) and was scrutinized. Interviews were arranged when and where found necessary/possible. Based upon detailed history, physical examination and investigations the risk factors responsible for their hypertensionwere identified and recorded. Results: Out of 118 patients studied, 45% were found to be sailors followed by officers (32%) and chief petty officers (23%). Age group most affected was 31-40 years (36%). Smoking, sedentary lifestyle, stress of service conditions and high caloric diet were found to be the most common factors contributing to high blood pressure. Conclusion: General awareness of healthy life style, avoidance of smoking, alleviation of unnecessary stresses, and dietary modifications along with ample opportunities for recreation could control the emergence of hypertension in serving personnel of Pakistan Navy.