P6367Predictors and covariables of incident hypertension in midlife: the Hordaland Health Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Different blood pressure (BP) development in midlife have been described in women and men. Less is known about factors associated with incident hypertension in this age group. Purpose To identify predictors and covariables of incident hypertension in women and men in their forties. Methods 2936 women (60%) and men born 1950–51 who participated in the community-based Hordaland Health Study both in 1992–93 (baseline, mean age 42±0.7 years) and in 1997–99 and were normotensive at baseline were included. Hypertension was defined as use of antihypertensive medication and/or systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. High-normal BP was defined as systolic BP 130–139 mmHg and/or diastolic BP 85–89 mmHg following European guidelines. Predictors and covariables of incident hypertension were identified in logistic regression analyses and reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 348 (12%) subjects developed hypertension during an average of 5.9 years follow-up. Incident hypertension was more common among men than women (14% vs. 10%, p=0.005). In univariate analyses, incident hypertension was positively associated with high normal BP and higher body mass index (BMI), serum total cholesterol and serum triglycerides at baseline, as well as with larger increase in BMI and serum triglycerides during follow-up (all p<0.05). In multivariable analysis, incident hypertension was associated with high-normal BP and higher serum triglycerides at baseline, and larger increase in BMI during follow-up, while the association with sex became non-significant (Table). Variable Multivariable analysis OR (95% CI) P-value High-normal BP 4.87 (3.82–6.20) <0.001 ΔBMI at follow up (kg/m2) 1.33 (1.24–1.42) <0.001 Ln serum triglycerides (mmol/L) 1.41 (1.14–1.75) 0.002 Conclusion In the community-based Hordaland Health Study, a larger proportion of men than women developed hypertension in midlife. However, this sex difference in incidence was explained by differences in prevalence of high-normal BP at baseline and metabolic factors.