Demographic profile, aetiology and clinical features of young hypertensive patients attending a tertiary care centre of southern Rajasthan

Introduction: Hypertension is defined as any one of the following Systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg. Hypertension is a rapidly growing pandemic. It is no Longer restricted to older adults as more young patients are being diagnosed with hypertension. Hypertension among young people is common, affecting 1 in 8 adults aged between 20 and 40 years. Aims and Objectives: To study the demographic profile, clinical presentation and the various etiological factors in young hypertensive patients. Material and Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out in 200 young hypertensive patients with age <40 years in MBGH Hospital and RNT Medical College, Udaipur over a period of 12 months. Result: Majority of the patients 100 (50%) were in the age group 36-40 years. Males outnumbered females with M:F ratio of 1.8:1. Maximum incidence of hypertension was found in 89 (44.5%) farmers. Incidence of hypertension was almost equal in literate 101(50.5%) and illiterate 99(49.5%).Incidence of hypertension was more common in rural area 113(56.5%). Hypertension was more common 120(60%) among middle class socioeconomic status. Comorbidity was present in 122(61%) patients. The most common comorbidity was CKD54 (69.2%). Majority of the patients had BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m2, i.e. normal weight. Maximum cases 105(52.5%) presented with ghabrahat, followed by vomiting 89(44.5%). 114(57%) were found to have a secondary cause of hypertension. Amongst the secondary causes of hypertension, the leading cause 86(75.4%) was renal parenchymal disease. Conclusion: Demographic profile, aetiology and clinical features vary considerably in young hypertensive patients as compared to older age groups. In our study, we found that hypertension was more common in males and secondary hypertension was more common than primary hypertension. Hence, it can reasonably be concluded that screening for hypertension among young individuals should be carried out frequently and search for the secondary cause should be done thoroughly before labeling it as primary hypertension.