Impact of Education and Physical Activity on awareness and control ofHypertension

Objective To determine the impact of education and physical activity on the awareness and control of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients of Islamabad. Methods A total of 240 patients were selected consecutively from Cardiology OPD of PIMS, Polyclinic and Medical OPD of PAEC Hospital Islamabad, from April 2006 to September 2006 for this multi-center cross-sectional survey. Information regarding the sociodemographic profile as well as their level of physical activity (30 minutes brisk walk five times /week) was gathered through a structured questionnaire. Results Out of 240 patients, 123 (51.25%) were males and 117 (48.75%) were females. 80/123 (65%) males and 63/117 (54%) females replied that they did physical activity regularly. 99% of who did physical activity had normal B.P values and 64% of who did no physical activity (97/240 patients) were in pre-hypertension stage (P=0.000). As the education level increased, the proportion of physical activity also increased significantly (P= 0.000). Conclusion Level of education and physical activity especially walking for 30 minutes at least five days per week has a significant role in reducing and controlling blood pressure in patients with and without medication. (Rawal Med J 2009;34: ).