CORRELATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG ADULTS AT RUHS COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, JAIPUR

Relevance. Hypertension and pre-hypertension are increasingly prevalent in India and contribute significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor influencing blood pressure regulation, particularly among young adults and healthcare populations. Aim. To assess the prevalence of normotension, pre-hypertension, and hypertension and to evaluate the correlation between blood pressure and physical activity among adults aged 18–60 years at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 700 participants. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Physical activity was assessed using the World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were categorized into inactive, moderately active, and vigorously active groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results. The prevalence of normotension, pre-hypertension, and hypertension was 65 %, 34.85 %, and 0.02 %, respectively. Nearly half of the participants (46.2 %) were physically inactive. Pre-hypertension was significantly more common among physically inactive individuals. Increased levels of physical activity were associated with lower mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. Conclusion. Physical inactivity is strongly associated with elevated blood pressure. Early lifestyle modification with emphasis on regular physical activity can prevent progression from pre-hypertension to hypertension and reduce future cardiovascular risk