Hypertension risk assessment in the largest ethnic groups in Jordan.

Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease. No data exists on the health status of the largest ethnic groups in Jordan. Seven hundred ninety two Chechens and Circassians participated in this study. Two readings of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were taken from the left arm with the subject seated and the arm at heart level, after at least 5 min of rest, using standardized mercury sphygmomanometer. The mean of the two readings were taken as the individual's blood pressure. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 23.9%. Risk factors for hypertension were: family history (OR = 3.6, CI, 2.1, 6.3), female gender (OR = 2.5, CI, 1.7, 4.0), Dyslipidemia (OR = 2.3, CI, 1.5, 3.6), waist measurement above normal range (OR = 1.1, CI, 1.2-1.3) and older age (OR = 1.1, CI, 1.0-1.1). Public health efforts must be directed toward screening high risk individuals and intervening at early stage to improve health outcomes.