ABSTRACT

 Aim: To evaluate the effect of age on the relationship between hypertension and its clinical signs and symptoms.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Shahida Islam Medical Complex hospital, Lodhran. A total of 304 patients with history of hypertension and taking anti-hypertensive medication were included in the study. Each patient’s demographic profile and hypertension related clinical signs and symptoms were recorded through interview, using a structured questionnaire whereas their blood pressure levels were measured by using a sphygmomanometer with stethoscope on upper arm. The patients were categorized into three age groups, I. II and III each between 18 to 35, 36 to 55 and 56 years or above age respectively.

Results: The predicted outcome of the study revealsthat among subjects aged up to 35 years only palpitation was notablylinked with systolic hypertension while only shortness of breath was notablyrelated with diastolic hypertension; among subjects between 36 to 55 years of age, smoking history, sleep apnea and palpitation were markedlylinked with systolic hypertension but only sleep apnea was considerablyrelated with diastolic hypertension while among patients aged 56 years or above, headache, vertigo. whereas both headache and palpitation were considerablyrelated with diastolic hypertension.

Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of hypertension tend to increase with advancing age of the patients.

Keywords: Age Groups, Hypertension, Signs and Symptoms