Hypertension is a premier risk factor for cardiovascular disease which can be recognized if sought and treated effectively. Effective management of high blood pressure is possible when the magnitude of the problem is identified. So, a cross-sectional community based survey among 1,239 respondents aged ≥30 years was designed to estimate the prevalence and the sociodemographic correlates of hypertension among adults aged ≥30 years. Data was collected by personal interviews, followed by anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. The prevalence of hypertension was 43.3%, with the prevalence being more among males (51.6%) as compared to females (38.9%). Of the total prevalence 23.1% (287) were known cases, and 20.2% (250) were newly detected cases. Based on the seventh report of the Joint National Committee (JNC VII) on high blood pressure, prehypertension was noted among 38.7%. Advancing age, male gender, current diabetic status, central obesity, overweight and obesity as defined by body mass index, and family history of hypertension were identified as significant correlates for hypertension by multivariate logistic regression. 1. Introduction Hypertension (HTN) is an enormous health problem and is one of the biggest health challenges in the 21st century. Although the condition is common, readily detectable, and easily treatable, it is usually asymptomatic and often leads to lethal complications if left untreated [1]. The Global Burden of Disease study has reported HTN as the 4th contributor to premature death in developed countries and the 7th in the developing countries [2]. Analysis of worldwide data on global burden of HTN showed an overall prevalence of 26.4% among the adult population in 2000 [3]. In India, the prevalence of HTN ranges between 20%–40% in urban areas and 12%–17% among rural adults [4]. India, being a culturally and socially diverse nation, differences would be noted in the region-wise prevalence of hypertension, but research regarding the same is inadequate in coastal Karnataka. This inadequacy necessitated us to conduct this study with the objective of assessing the prevalence of hypertension and study the sociodemographic correlates of hypertension. 2. Methods A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted among individuals of either sex, aged 30 years and above. The study was carried out in the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal in coastal Karnataka, a Southern state of
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