| Characteristic | Chronic hypertensives (N = 40) | New hypertensives (N = 40) | Controls (N = 40) |
| Age (years) | 51.5 ± 6.46 | 50.6 ± 6.32 | 49.7 ± 6.22 |
| Gender: Male | 22(55%) | 27(68%) | 26(65%) |
| Female | 18(45%) | 13(32%) | 14(35%) |
| Body mass index (kg/m2) | 25.1 ± 4.74 | 25 ± 5.03 | 23.3 ± 5.29 |
| Smokers | 7(17.5%) | 10(25%) | 4(10%) |
| Alcoholics | 8(20%) | 14(35%) | 7(17.5%) |
| Mean blood pressure (mmHg) | 102.9 ± 10.83 | 107.47 ± 11.83 | 88.0 ± 13.87* |
| Mean duration (years) | 3.18 ± 4.43 | - | - |
| SBP (mmHg) | 142.32 ± 18.61 | 148.78 ± 17.95 | 120.95 ± 12.58* |
| DBP (mmHg) | 83.32 ± 9.16 | 90.2 ± 7.1 | 74 ± 8.53* |