The age standardized prevalence of hypertension
was 27.1 per cent in men and 26.4 per cent in women
and increase in hypertension was observed with
increase in age. Age adjusted state-wise prevalence of
hypertension for men and women are provided in the
figure. The prevalence of hypertension among men
and women was higher in Odisha (50-54%) and Kerala
(37-45%) and lowest in Gujarat (7-11%). As per theJNC VII criteria, about 42 and 39 per cent were prehypertensive,
18 and 16 per cent in stage I hypertension
and 8 and 7 per cent were in stage II hypertension
among men and women, respectively.