Distribution of blood pressure and heart rate among adults in Jordan: a national survey.

Knowledge of population distribution of blood pressure is useful for predicting blood pressure related health burden as well as for planning prevention strategy. The aim of this investigation is to determine the distribution of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), arterial blood pressure (ABP), and heart rate among normotensive adults resident from all regions of Jordan. This study is the first detailed description of these parameters in Jordan at a national level. A total of 14,310 adult males (7,400) and females (6,910) were selected randomly in various regions of Jordan. For each individual, the SBP, DBP, and heart rate were measured three times with 10-15-minute intervals in the sitting position and at the resting state. The ABP was calculated from the measured SBP and DBP. The mean values were distributed according to age and sex. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. Males had significantly higher SBP, DBP, ABP, and heart rate values than females. There also was an increase of these values with advancing age. Moreover, cases of hypotension and bradycardia were higher in the female population than in males, whereas cases of hypertension and tachycardia were higher in males. Distribution of blood pressure and heart rate among adults in Jordan was determined. Cases of undiagnosed hypertension, hypotension, and an increase or a decrease in heart rate were detected through our random screening in the target population. Individuals with these abnormalities require further clinical investigations to confirm or exclude these findings.