A Case Control Study of the Genetic and Other Risk Factors of Essential Hypertension

Introduction-Essential hypertension, an important cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity, has modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. We tried to find a causal relationship between development of essential hypertension and various risk factors especially genetic factors.
Methods-In this case control study, 110 essential hypertension patients and 50 age and sex matched normal healthy individuals were selected. Detailed physical examination was done and history was taken including pedigree analysis. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C and LDL-C were estimated.
Result-Most of the cases were of the age group 50-59 years, with a mean age of 57.1 years. Of the female cases, the age group 60-69 years was mostly affected. Diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypothyroidism, cerebrovascular accidents and obesity were associated more with cases in comparison to controls. Out of 110 cases, 66 cases (60%) had family history of hypertension; either father (24.5%) or mother (35.4%) was hypertensive. Both parents were hypertensive in 27 cases (24%). This familial trend was seen in brothers and sisters as well as in offsprings.
Conclusion-Several factors are associated with essential hypertension. Modification of some of those factors may beneficially affect the long term effects and complications of hypertension. Early detection of many factors and suitable measures may be important in the prognosis and course of hypertension related outcomes. Further research with a larger and diverse population is required to confirm these findings.