Thiyam Brojendro Singh, Ezanimo Chumdemo Kikon, Thokchom Sachin Deba, Rothangpui
BACKGROUND: BP and heart rate fluctuate over a 24 hours period. External stresses and subject’s activities have direct effects on BP and heart rate. BP and heart rate also vary according to their own circadian rhythm.1 Stress can cause hypertension through repeated elevations of BP. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital amongst Health Workers.
RESULTS: Most of the Health Workers are Males (63%) and in the age group of 21-30 years with mean age of 30.22±6.32. Both systolic and diastolic hypertension was found during day, night and over 24 hours duty. Systolic hypertension during day duty was 10% which increases to 39% during night time duty. Systolic and diastolic hypertension during the 24 hours duty was found to be 22% and 39% respectively. DBP hypertension during day time duty was found to be 26% which increases to 48% during night time duty. The overall hypertensive distribution of hypertension of health workers is 29%, 52% and 42% during day time, night time and 24 hours duty respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: During Night time duty, more Health Workers were hypertensive (52%) as compared to day time duty which was lesser (29%) and over the 24 hours duty 42% of health workers were hypertensive. Thus, the present findings suggest effects of occupational stress on ABP measured at work, in night shift and over 24 hours period among health workers. In the long run, stressful night duty increases the risk of development of hypertension.
