Estimation of prevalence of zightud-dam qawi (hypertention) in persons of urban aligarh with respect to different temperaments of unani medicine

Hypertension is one of the major health challenges of 21st century, which, for most countries, has developed together with rapid cultural and social changes, ageing populations, increasing urbanization, dietary changes, reduced physical activity, and other unhealthy behaviors. Objectives: (1) It is aimed to determine the temperament of persons suffering from hypertension. (2) To estimate the prevalence of hypertension in different temperaments. (3) To study the relationship, between hypertension and temperament, if any. Materials and Methods: An OPD based cross sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 21to 80 years in Aligarh National Charitable Hospital, Near Jama Masjid Upper Fort, Aligarh, during March 2014 to April 2015. The assessment of the temperament (Mizaj) of the patients was made on the basis of a Performa (questionnaire) prepared in the light of criteria described in classical Unani literature. The categorization of HP was done according to Joint National Committee VII (Indian scenario), 2003-12. Results: Out of 502 hypertensive persons 311 (61.95%) were suffering from both systolic and diastolic hypertension and 191 hypertensive’s (38.05%) had isolated systolic hypertension. It was observed further, that out of 502 hypertensive’s, 237 were having sanguineous temperament, 145 phlegmatic temperament, 94 bilious temperament and 26 were having melancholic temperament. Conclusions: It can be concluded by this study that there is a relation between hypertension and mizaj (temperament) of an individual’s, and that, prevalence of HP in individuals varies significantly when categorized with respect to different temperament. The need of the hour is to understand the concept and importance of temperament and its application in health care.