Anjan Kumar Nag

Bio: Anjan Kumar Nag is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Blood pressure. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 203 citations.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among the elderly in Bangladesh and India: a multicentre study

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among elderly individuals in Bangladesh and India. Method A community-based sample of 1203 elderly individuals (670 women; mean age, 70 years) was selected using a multistage cluster sampling technique from two sites in Bangladesh and three sites in India. Findings The overall prevalence of hypertension (WHO–International Society for Hypertension criteria) was 65% (95% confidence interval = 62–67%). The prevalence was higher in urban than rural areas, but did not differ significantly between the sexes. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified a higher body mass index, higher education status and prevalent diabetes mellitus as important correlates of the prevalence of hypertension. Physical activity, rural residence, and current smoking were inversely related to the prevalence of hypertension. Among study subjects who had hypertension, 45% were aware of their condition, 40% were taking anti-hypertensive medications, but only 10% achieved the level established by the US Sixth Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of Hypertension (JNC VI)/WHO criteria. A visit to a physician in the previous year, higher educational attainment and being female emerged as important correlates of hypertension awareness. Conclusions Our findings emphasize the need to implement effective and low cost management regimens based on absolute levels of cardiovascular risk appropriate for the economic context. From a public health perspective, the only sustainable approach to the high prevalence of hypertension in the Indian subcontinent is through a strategy to reduce the average blood pressure in the population.

Hypertension in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension

Abstract: textBackground: A region-specific (urban and rural parts of north, east, west, and south India) systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension among Indian patients have not been done before. Methods: Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from 1950 to 30 April 2013 were searched for 'prevalence, burden, awareness, and control of blood pressure (BP) or hypertension (140 SBP and or 90 DBP) among Indian adults' (18 years). Of the total 3047 articles, 142 were included. Results: Overall prevalence for hypertension in India was 29.8% (95% confidence interval: 26.7-33.0). Significant differences in hypertension prevalence were noted between rural and urban parts [27.6% (23.2-32.0) and 33.8% (29.7-37.8); P=0.05]. Regional estimates for the prevalence of hypertension were as follows: 14.5% (13.3-15.7), 31.7% (30.2-33.3), 18.1% (16.9-19.2), and 21.1% (20.1-22.0) for rural north, east, west, and south India; and 28.8% (26.9-30.8), 34.5% (32.6-36.5), 35.8% (35.2-36.5), and 31.8% (30.4-33.1) for urban north, east, west, and south India, respectively. Overall estimates for the prevalence of awareness, treatment, and control of BP were 25.3% (21.4-29.3), 25.1% (17.0-33.1), and 10.7% (6.5-15.0) for rural Indians; and 42.0% (35.2-48.9), 37.6% (24.0-51.2), and 20.2% (11.6-28.7) for urban Indians. Conclusion: About 33% urban and 25% rural Indians are hypertensive. Of these, 25% rural and 42% urban Indians are aware of their hypertensive status. Only 25% rural and 38% of urban Indians are being treated for hypertension. One-tenth of rural and one-fifth of urban Indian hypertensive population have their BP under control.

Hypertension among older adults in low- and middle-income countries: prevalence, awareness and control

Abstract: Background This study uses data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) to examine patterns of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control for people aged 50 years and over in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, the Russian Federation and South Africa. Methods The SAGE sample comprises of 35 125 people aged 50 years and older, selected randomly. Hypertension was defined as ≥140 mmHg (systolic blood pressure) or ≥90 mmHg (diastolic blood pressure) or by currently taking antihypertensives. Control of hypertension was defined as blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg on treatment. A person was defined as aware if he/she was hypertensive and self-reported the condition. Results Prevalence rates in all countries are broadly comparable to those of developed countries (52.9%; range 32.3% in India to 77.9% in South Africa). Hypertension was associated with overweight/obesity and was more common in women, those in the lowest wealth quintile and in heavy alcohol consumers. Awareness was found to be low for all countries, albeit with substantial national variations (48.3%; range 23.3% in Ghana to 72.1% in the Russian Federation). This was also the case for control (10.2%; range 4.1% in Ghana to 14.1% India) and treatment efficacy (26.3%; range 17.4% in the Russian Federation to 55.2% in India). Awareness was associated with increasing age, being female and being overweight or obese. Effective control of hypertension was more likely in older people, women and in the richest quintile. Obesity was associated with poorer control. Conclusions The high rates of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries are striking. Levels of treatment and control are inadequate despite half those sampled being aware of their condition. Since cardiovascular disease is by far the largest cause of years of life lost in these settings, these findings emphasize the need for new approaches towards control of this major risk factor.

The burden of blood pressure-related disease: a neglected priority for global health

Abstract: The importance of high blood pressure as a major cause of common serious diseases has been recognized in most Western countries for ≈50 years. Before that, malignant hypertension was a frequent reason for hospital admission and a common cause of death.1 Safe and effective antihypertensive drugs were first developed in the 1960s and were shown to dramatically improve the prognosis associated with malignant hypertension.2,3 Over the next few decades, the widespread use of an expanding armamentarium of blood pressure–lowering drugs to patients at risk of malignant hypertension effectively eradicated this condition from most developed countries. Subsequently, the provision of blood pressure–lowering treatments to a much broader group of patients at risk of serious cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and coronary heart disease, among whom blood pressure levels were often only modestly elevated, contributed importantly to the declines in stroke and coronary disease deaths rates experienced by most Western populations.4 However, the situation in higher-income countries stands in stark contrast to that experienced by their lower-income neighbors. The overall burden of blood pressure–related diseases is rapidly rising in countries such as India and China as a consequence of the aging population, increasing urbanization, and increases in age-specific rates of conditions such as stroke.5,6 Even war-torn countries and those ravaged by HIV/AIDS, such as some in sub-Saharan Africa, incur a huge burden of blood pressure–related diseases. In several such populations, cerebral hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in adults.7 Although safe and effective antihypertensive treatment could be provided in these regions with a range of generic products from <1 cent per person per day, the reality is that most people for whom such drugs are clearly indicated receive no treatment whatsoever. In this regard, the antihypertensive care available for a large proportion of the world’s population …

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants With Necrotizing Enterocolitis A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Abstract: Objective To systematically review observational studies reporting long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low-birth-weight neonates surviving after necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Data Sources The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health), and proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Societies (published in Pediatric Research since 1970) were searched in June and September 2006. The reference lists of identified studies and personal files were searched. Study Selection All studies with a control group were eligible for inclusion. Main Outcome Exposure Necrotizing enterocolitis (stage II or higher) vs no NEC. Main Outcome Measure Neurodevelopmental impairment at 1 year or older of corrected age. Results Eleven nonrandomized studies, including 5 with “matched controls,” were included in the analyses. The risk of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment was significantly higher in the presence of at least stage II NEC vs no NEC (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-2.27). Significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 47.9%; P = .06) between the studies indicated variations in patient, illness, and intervention characteristics and in follow-up methods. Patients with NEC requiring surgery were at higher risk for neurodevelopmental impairment vs those managed medically (odds ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-3.14). Results of analyses based on study design, follow-up rate, and year of birth were not statistically significantly different from those of the overall analysis. Risk of cerebral palsy and cognitive and severe visual impairment was significantly higher in neonates with NEC. Conclusion Survivors of stage II or higher NEC are at risk for long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, especially if they require surgery for the illness.