A study of prevalence and severity of nicotine dependence in chronic hypertension- In north Telangana population

Introduction: The significance of smoking in the hypertensive patient may be unappreciated. The risk of hypertension may be tripled in such patients. Tobacco addiction may also compromise the treatment of hypertensives. The contribution of nicotine to adverse cardiovascular events has been a concern, both among physicians and patients. Nicotine has also been reported to have adverse effects on endothelial function and may impair insulin tolerance, although the biologic relevance of these effects in individuals remains unclear. Materials and methods: the study was conducted in SVS Medical college, Mahboobnagar, for a period of 4 months. Study sample consisted of 100 chronic hypertensive patients diagnosed by general physician and nicotine dependence was assessed using a questionnaire and diagnosed according to ICD-10 RDiC criteria. Later, severity of nicotine dependence in these patients is assessed using Fagerstrom scale. Results: Nicotine dependence was more common in older group when compared to younger individuals with chronic hypertension. Male individuals were more affected with nicotine dependence when compared to female population which was statistically significant. Conclusion: In conclusion this survey demonstrates the increased incidence and prevalence of nicotine dependence in chronic hypertensive patients in North Telangana population. The severity of nicotine dependence is more affected by the socioeconomic status and urbanization. As the age of individuals increased, severity of nicotine dependence increased which was statistically significant.