Publication

Abstract : Introduction Pre-hypertension is a forerunner to hypertension and is emerging as an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease. So early identification of the disease in the pre-hypertensive stage assumes significance in prevention of hypertension. A descriptive study was conducted in selected wards of Nayarambalam Grama Panchayath at Ernakulam district in Kerala. Pre-hypertension is systolic pressure from 121 to 139 millimetre of mercury (mm of hg) and diastolic pressure from 81 to 89 mm of Hg. Method Descriptive survey design. The sample identified was 100 individuals with pre hypertension, with assessment checklist and purposive sampling technique. Results The prevalence of the study finding reveals that, among 151 individuals, 100 (66.6%) were identified as Pre-hypertensive. The overall findings show that majority of sample (76.0%) were having moderate knowledge, and the life style of individual with prehypertension shows that only(53.0%)having good practice. The findings suggest the need to prepare a leaflet that constitute home remedies to improve the life style practices of individuals with prehypertension. An association was found between income of the family and their knowledge, ie those who are having high monthly income had adequate knowledge about Pre-hypertension. Conclusion The increase in pre hypertension in rural population is a public concern.