Status of end organs in newly detected rural essential hypertensives: a study from southern India.

Background: Hypertension is associated with end-organ damage (EOD). Since EOD is a risk factor for cardio- and cerebrovascular complications, it is a major requirement for these to be detected, prevented, and treated.

Objective: The objectives of our study were to determine out the prevalence of EOD in newly detected rural essential hypertensives, identify the pattern of EOD involved, and also assess the interrelationship among them.

Methods: A total of 147 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension and, attending the outpatient clinic, were included in this study based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with comorbid illnesses were excluded from the investigation. The significance of a range of variables involved was evaluated using statistical software.

Results: Amongst the cases, there were 79 males (M) and 68 females (F). Their mean and median ages were 55 (standard deviation (SD) = 9.90) and 54 years, respectively. Of these 86% (70 M and 56 F) had one or more EODs; an observation which was very close to statistically significant (P = .054). In our patients, microalbuminuria (35%), diastolic dysfunction (59%), increased left ventricular (LV) mass (68%) and retinopathy (69%) were particularly notable. Increased LV mass had a strong association with retinopathy, microalbuminuria, and diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusion: The presence of one or more EODs in newly detected hypertension indicates widespread vascular damage that carries a high risk for cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Hence, there is an urgent requirement not only for complete evaluation but also to stimulate an increased awareness amongst physicians and the general public, regarding the control of blood pressure.