Abstract
Objective
To determine the impact of education and physical activity on the awareness and control of
systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients of Islamabad.
Methods
A total of 240 patients were selected consecutively from Cardiology OPD of PIMS,
Polyclinic and Medical OPD of PAEC Hospital Islamabad, from April 2006 to September
2006 for this multi-center cross-sectional survey. Information regarding the sociodemographic
profile as well as their level of physical activity (30 minutes brisk walk five
times /week) was gathered through a structured questionnaire.
Results
Out of 240 patients, 123 (51.25%) were males and 117 (48.75%) were females. 80/123 (65%)
males and 63/117 (54%) females replied that they did physical activity regularly. 99% of
who did physical activity had normal B.P values and 64% of who did no physical activity
(97/240 patients) were in pre-hypertension stage (P=0.000). As the education level increased,
the proportion of physical activity also increased significantly (P= 0.000).
Conclusion
Level of education and physical activity especially walking for 30 minutes at least five days
per week has a significant role in reducing and controlling blood pressure in patients with
and without medication. (Rawal Med J 2009;34: ).

Key words: Hypertension, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, physical activity.