The risk of hypertension was 1.39 times (1.24-
1.56) higher among sedentary workers as compared to
moderate or heavy workers. Overweight and obesity(BMI ≥25 kg/m2) had 1.47 times (1.23-1.77) higher
risk of hypertension in men and 1.79 times (1.52-2.11)
in women compared with normal individuals, while
central obesity (waist: hip ratio ≥0.95) was 1.59 times
(1.45-1.74) higher in men and 1.20 (1.11-1.30) times
higher in women compared with normal men and
women, respectively. risk of hypertension was 1.64
times higher in men and women who used tobacco
compared with non-users. Risk of hypertension
was 1.37 times higher in men and 1.73 times in
women consuming alcohol compared with non users
(Table III).
Of the 27 per cent men and 26 per cent women
currently suffering from hypertension (after age
adjustment), only 5 per cent men and 9 per cent women
knew their hypertensive status and the proportion
increased with increase in age, 14.2 per cent (20-34 yr)
to 50.6 per cent (≥ 65 yr). Among known hypertensive,
55 per cent and 68 per cent women were on treatment
and the proportion increased with increase in age, 33.3
per cent (20-34 yr) to 84 per cent (≥65 yr). Education
levels were inversely associated with the hypertension.
However, known hypertensive were more educated
men and women compared to illiterates (Table IV).