Dietary Assessment of Hypertensive Women

Introduction: Hypertension is quite prevalent and is regarded as a major public health concern in many nations. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 600 million people worldwide have high blood pressure, leading to 13% of all deaths, 62% of stroke cases, and 49% of myocardial infarction cases.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to determine the dietary assessment in hypertensive women of all ages. A community based cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the dietary assessment in hypertensive women of all ages.

Methodology: A sample of 200 women were recruited from Mardan Medical Complex and Dar ul Shifa hospitals Mardan. Data regarding Socio-demographic parameters, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements and dietary intake was collected. The data was analyzed through SPSS. A proper questionnaire was developed to carry out the study.

Results: The result of the study revealed the mean age of the participants was 12.591+ 42.4, weight 71.43 + 1.872, height 154. 42 + 12.204 and BMI 29.24 + 5.141. The study showed that the prevalence of hypertension among working women was 6 %, among housewives it was 94%, 36 percent among illiterates, 64 percent among literates, 17 percent among pregnant women and 65 percent among non­pregnant women. Moreover, most of the women with hypertension consumed salty foods high amount of sodium, fats and oil. Similarly, intake of fruits and vegetables among the hypertensive women was very low.

Conclusion: The study recommended that women should take heart-healthy diet, get regular physical exercise, maintain healthy weight and take proper medication.