Study of co-morbid conditions in elderly patients with hypertension

 

Jagdish Chandra S Benur¹, Sachin Patil^2*

 

^1,2Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Gulburga Institute of Medical Sciences Kalaburagi, Karnataka, INDIA.

Email: kalaburagi.sac.patil58@gmail.com

 

Abstract              Background: Cardiovascular diseases in the older people is not seen in isolation, these groups may have other associated co-morbid conditions. The prevalence of comorbidity among people with hypertension is more common than those individuals with a normal BP. The management of multiple comorbidities requires more complex strategies to achieve effective care. Aim: To study the prevalence of co-morbid conditions in elderly patients with hypertension. Material and Methods: All patients above the age of 65 years, irrespective of their hypertensive status were included in this study. All patients were classified according to blood pressure readings. All samples were venous blood gatherings in the morning after an 8 hr fast. In all patients, ECG and fundus examination was done. 2D Echo was done whenever necessary. Results: Of the 200 patients, all (100%) had a co-morbid illness present, of which ischemic heart disease contributed the maximum number of patients (28.5%). This was followed by diabetes mellitus seen in 50 patients (25%). Other co-morbidities included stroke in 15%, infections 14%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 13% and malignancy 4.5% patients. Conclusion: Critical clinical examination and assessment of target organ damage, presence of co-morbid conditions in hypertensive individuals helps us in making the strategy for management.

Key Words: Elderly, Hypertension, Ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, co-morbidity.