High Blood Pressure In Men Research Articles

Anthropometric Indexes for Predicting High Blood Pressure in Vietnamese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundThe rate of hypertension and obesity is increasing in Vietnamese society. This study aimed to focus on assessing the relationship between anthropometric indexes (body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) and high blood pressure to determine which is the best predictor for high blood pressure among adults over 18 years in Vietnam.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 1636 people was conducted. People who were over 18 years old, healthy or had hyperlipidemia and on the treatment were recruited. Patients with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension were excluded. Information on demographics, smoking and drinking habits, weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure was collected. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were examined to determine the predictability of anthropometric indicators for high blood pressure in men and women. Logistic regression analysis, stratified by gender, was performed to examine the association between anthropometric indexes and high blood pressure.ResultsIn this study, the percentage of people with high blood pressure was 10.51%. The AUC for the WHtR was significantly greater than for the BMI for both genders. Logistic regression demonstrated that only WHtR had a significant positive association with high blood pressure among women. The optimal WHtR cut-off value for predicting high blood pressure in men and women were 0.47 and 0.50, respectively.ConclusionAmong the indicators analyzed in this study, WHtR was the best for the predicting of the presence of high blood pressure, in both men and women. However, WHtR could only explain the changes of high blood pressure in women.

How Much Hypertension is Attributed to Overweight, Obesity, and Hyperglycemia Using Adjusted Population Attributable Risk in Adults?

Background High blood pressure (HBP) is a proven risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. So, determining the extent of the contribution of the factors associated with HBP seems to be necessary. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate how much the prevalence of HBP attributed to obesity and high blood glucose (HBG). Methods Data were collected from 7612 participants extracted from a screening program in 2018, in Iran, which was conducted on the subjects with the age of 30 years old and older to investigate the prevalence of HBP and their associated risk factors. To collect data, we used a standard checklist in terms of the WHO STEPS manual, and a stratified multistage sampling method was also applied. The adjusted population attributable risk of overweight, obesity, and HBG for HBP was calculated by the logistic regression model using the aflogit module. Results Among the studied people, 7.4% of male and 10.8% of female subjects were hypertensive. The adjusted analysis showed that, in men, 27% and 41% and, among women, 19% and 37% of HBP prevalence rates were attributable to obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and fast blood sugar (FBS) (≥126), respectively. In people with both obesity and HBG, 59% of the prevalence rate of HBP in men and 46% of the prevalence in women were due to the abovementioned risk factors altogether. The results show that, if obesity and HBG were eliminated, the prevalence of HBP could be theoretically decreased from 7.4% to 5.4% and 4.3% in male subjects and from 10.8% to 8.7% and 6.8% in female subjects, respectively. Conclusions Our findings indicate that how much the prevalence of HBP attributes to obesity and HBG in middle-age and older population. It seems that the prevention programs should be administered in the general population, and excess body weight prevention programs should also be implemented in childhood.

The Relationship Between Hypertension and Socioeconomic Status and Food Intake

Background: High blood pressure is known as a major risk factor for myocardial infarction and renal impairment. Various factors, including the pattern of food intake and physical activity, are effective in the incidence of hypertension. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between dietary factors and hypertension in Hormozgan Province, South of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 5075 adults aged more than 18 years from Hormozgan in 2016. Samples were selected through cluster sampling and randomly. The subjects’ information, including demographic information, dietary intake, anthropometric status, and blood pressure, were collected. Results: The high blood pressure in men was higher than in women. There was a significant relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and age, body mass index, wrist and waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. There was a statistically significant reverse relationship between hypertension and fruits intake, dairy products, fish, and decrease meat and nonalcoholic drink consumption. Conclusions: Regarding the high prevalence of hypertension among people and its strong association with food intake, improving dietary patterns should be considered as an essential preventive action.

Identifying and treating high blood pressure in men under 55 years with grade 1 hypertension: the TREAT CASP study and RCT

Background There is uncertainty regarding whether or not younger (i.e. aged < 55 years), low-risk patients with grade 1 hypertension (i.e. a clinic blood pressure of 140–159/90–99 mmHg) should be treated with blood pressure-lowering medication. This is a heterogeneous group of patients because of variation in systolic/pulse pressure amplification from the central aorta to the brachial artery. It is hypothesised that within grade 1 hypertension, patients can be divided into those with high central aortic systolic pressure and those with low central aortic systolic pressure. Objectives The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate whether or not non-invasive central aortic systolic pressure measurement can better identify younger patients with grade 1 hypertension, who are more likely to have an increased left ventricular mass index; and (2) determine whether or not blood pressure lowering regresses early cardiac structural change in patients with high central aortic systolic pressure. Setting A university hospital with satellite primary care recruitment sites. Participants A total of 726 men (aged 18 to < 55 years) were screened to identify 162 men with grade 1 hypertension and low or high central aortic systolic pressure. Blood pressure status was classified according to seated clinic blood pressure, central aortic systolic pressure and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. Design (1) Evaluating the strength of the correlation between central aortic systolic pressure, clinic blood pressure and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure with left ventricular mass index in 162 patients; (2) a 12-month randomised controlled trial in patients with grade 1 hypertension and high central aortic systolic pressure (i.e. a central aortic systolic pressure of ≥ 125 mmHg) (n = 105), using a prospective, open, blinded, end-point design; and (3) a 12-month observational study in 57 patients with grade 1 hypertension and low central aortic systolic pressure (i.e. a central aortic systolic pressure of < 125 mmHg). Interventions Randomised controlled trial – patients with high central aortic systolic pressure randomised to blood pressure lowering medication (50–100 mg of losartan ± 5–10 mg of amlodipine once daily) versus usual care (no treatment) for 12 months. Main outcomes Randomised controlled trial primary end point – change in left ventricular mass index as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, comparing treatment with no treatment. Results (1) At baseline, left ventricular mass index was higher in men with high central aortic systolic pressure than in those with low central aortic systolic pressure (mean ± standard deviation 67.9 ± 8.8 g/m2 vs. 64.0 ± 8.5 g/m2; difference 4.0 g/m2, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 6.9 g/m2; p < 0.01). Central aortic systolic pressure was not superior to clinic blood pressure as a determinant of left ventricular mass index. Univariate analysis, regression coefficients and slopes for left ventricular mass index were similar for clinic systolic blood pressure, ambulatory systolic blood pressure and central aortic systolic pressure. (2) In the randomised controlled trial, blood pressure-lowering treatment reduced central aortic systolic pressure (–21.1 mmHg, 95% confidence interval – 24.4 to –17.9 mmHg; p < 0.001) and clinic systolic blood pressure (–20.0 mmHg, 95% confidence interval – 23.3 to –16.6 mmHg; p < 0.001) versus no treatment. Treatment was well tolerated and associated with a greater change (i.e. from baseline to study closeout) in left ventricular mass index versus no treatment [–3.3 g/m2 (95% confidence interval –4.5 to –2.2 g/m2) vs. –0.9 g/m2 (95% confidence interval –1.7 to –0.2 g/m2); p < 0.01], with a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen’s d statistic –0.74). (3) Patients with low central aortic systolic pressure had no significant change in left ventricular mass index after 12 months (mean change –0.5 g/m2, 95% confidence interval –1.2 to 0.2 g/m2; p = 0.18). Conclusions Men with grade 1 hypertension and high central aortic systolic pressure tended to have higher clinic blood pressure and more hypertension-mediated cardiac structural change than those with low central aortic systolic pressure. Central aortic systolic pressure was not superior to clinic blood pressure or ambulatory blood pressure at stratifying risk of increased left ventricular mass index. Blood pressure-lowering treatment led to a regression of left ventricular mass index in men with grade 1 hypertension and high central aortic systolic pressure compared with no treatment. Limitations The study was limited to a moderate sample of men and there was a low prevalence of very high amplification. Future work Evaluating effects of blood pressure lowering on cardiac function. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN09502665. Funding This project was funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme, a Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) partnership and will be published in full in Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation; Vol. 6, No. 13. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Consumption of alcohol and blood pressure: Results of the ELSA-Brasil study.

BackgroundPrevention and reduction of excessive use of alcohol represents damages to society in general. In turn, arterial hypertension is the main attributable risk factor premature life lost years and disability.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and high blood pressure in participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).MethodologyA baseline data of total of 7,655 participants volunteers between 35 and 74 years of age, of both genders, in six educational and research institutions of three different regions of the country were interviewed between 2008–2010. Socioeconomic, haemodynamic, anthropometric and health data were collected in the research centers of ELSA-Brasil. The presence of high blood pressure was identified when the systolic blood pressure was ≥140 mm Hg and/or the diastolic was ≥90 mm Hg. Alcohol consumption was estimated and categorized regarding consumption and pattern of ingestion. The Student’s t-test, chi-squared and logistic regression tests were used for analysis, including potential co-variables of the model, and a 5% significance level was adopted.ResultsA dose-response relation was observed for the consumption of alcohol (g/week) in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Alcohol consumption was associated with high blood pressure in men who reported moderate (OR = 1.69; 95%CI 1.35–2.11) and excessive (OR = 2.70; 95%CI 2.04–3.59) consumption. Women have nearly three times more chance of presenting elevated blood pressure when presenting excessive consumption (OR = 2.86, 95%CI 1.77–4.63), and binge drinkers who drink more than 2 to 3 times a month have approximately 70% more chance of presenting with elevated blood pressure, after adjusting for consumption of drinks with meals.ConclusionThe consumption of alcohol beverages increases the odds of elevated blood pressure, especially among excessive drinkers. Therefore alcohol consumption needs a more robust regulation in view of its impact on population health.

Fermented Soy Product Intake Is Inversely Associated with the Development of High Blood Pressure: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study

Background: Randomized controlled studies have investigated the short-term effect of soy product intake on blood pressure (BP) in normotensive people. To our knowledge, no prospective studies exist on the effect of habitual intake of fermented soy products, separate from total soy products, on BP in the general population.Objective: We examined the association between the habitual intake of soy products, including fermented soy products, and the development of high BP during a 5-y period among participants in a population-based prospective cohort study in Japan.Methods: The study included normotensive participants aged 40-69 y at baseline (926 men and 3239 women) who completed 2 questionnaires and whose BP was measured at the baseline survey between 1993 and 1994 and the 5-y follow-up in the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study Cohort II. The intake of soy products was assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire. High BP was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg, or antihypertensive medication use. ORs and 95% CIs of high BP by frequency of soy products (miso, natto, and tofu) consumption, intake of total and fermented soy products, and intake of isoflavones from total and fermented soy products were estimated with the use of multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: Multivariable-adjusted ORs of high BP for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of total and fermented soy product intake were 1.03 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.25; P-trend = 0.786) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.92; P-trend = 0.009), respectively. The frequency of nonfermented soy product (tofu) intake was not associated with the development of high BP (P-trend = 0.597).Conclusions: The intake of fermented soy products, but not total or nonfermented soy products, was inversely associated with developing high BP in men and women with normal BP.

Association of obesity categories and high blood pressure in a rural adult Chinese population.

Limited information is available on the prevalence of obesity and high blood pressure (HBP) in rural China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in a rural adult Chinese population during July to August of 2007 and 2008. The relationship between various obesity categories and HBP was analysed by gender for 20 194 participants. Obesity categories were classified as general and central obesity in terms of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), respectively; cross-classification of BMI and WC created another four groups: both BMI and WC normal (BNWN), BMI obesity and WC normal (BOWN), BMI normal and WC obesity (BNWO), and both BMI and WC obesity (BOWO). The rates of HBP for BNWN, BOWN, BNWO and BOWO groups were 20.8, 63.3, 39.8 and 48.7%, respectively, for men and 20.1, 28.0, 34.7 and 54.2%, respectively, for women. As compared with BNWN group, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of BOWN and BOWO for having HBP in men were 6.227 (2.712-14.300) and 4.842 (4.036-5.808), respectively. As compared with BNWN women, BNWO and BOWO women showed increased risk of HBP (adjusted OR=1.342, 95%CI=1.139-1.581 and adjusted OR=4.530, 95%CI=4.004-5.124, respectively). The prevalence of general and central obesity was strongly related to HBP. Men with obese BMI but normal WC may be at increased risk of HBP. Women should pay more attention to changes in visceral adipose distribution and keep both BMI and WC values within normal ranges to reduce obesity-related health problems.

Waist circumference, visceral abdominal fat thickness and three components of metabolic syndrome

ObjectiveThe relationships between the waist circumference (WC), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness and three components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were explored to verify which of the obesity indices might be superior. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted of 1256 subjects (840 males and 416 females) aged 26–89 years, who were individuals undergoing intensive health checkup. The three components of MetS examined were high blood pressure, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for the analyses. ResultsThe mean values of the WC and VAT thickness were significantly higher in the subject group positive for each of the metabolic syndrome components than in the subject group that was negative for all the components (p<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the WC showed an advantage over the VAT thickness only for predicting high blood pressure in men. Logistic regression analysis revealed increase of the odds ratios of the WC for glucose intolerance (p<0.001), high blood pressure (p<0.001) and dyslipidemia (p<0.01) in men. In contrast, the odds ratio of the VAT thickness was significantly increased only for dyslipidemia (p<0.01) in men. In women, the odds ratios of the WC for glucose intolerance (p<0.01) and dyslipidemia (p<0.001) were significantly increased, and odds ratio of the VAT thickness for high blood pressure (p<0.01) was significantly increased. ConclusionThis survey presented an advantage of WC over VAT thickness as an obesity index for identifying all the three components of metabolic syndrome, although sex differences in the study outcomes were found.

Prevalence of Hypertension in the Elderly

In 2011, an estimated 524 million people (8% of the world’s population) were aged 65 or older. Until 2050, this number is expected to nearly triple to about 1.5 billion, representing 16% of the world’s population. Between 2010 and 2050, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase more than 250%, compared with a 71% increase in developed countries [1]. Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are the leading cause of death worldwide, having comprised 60% of all deaths in 2005. Approximately 80% of NCD-attributable deaths are occurring in low and middle-income countries [2]. Hypertension is one of the most powerful contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In order to collect more information in this regard, the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) was assessed among subjects examined in this study. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1,060 Iranian subjects living in Hamadan, during the period of 6 months starting from March until August 2012 randomly participated. BP was measured in the sitting position after 10 min rest and the mean of three readings from right arm was used in the analysis. High BP was defined according to the JNC VII and WHO guideline criteria; a systolic BP (SBP) > 140 mmHg or a diastolic BP (DBP) > 90 mmHg or being on treatment. Stage I (mild hypertension) was defined as an SBP between 140-159 mmHg and a DBP between 90-99 mmHg. Stage II and III (moderate and severe hypertension) were defined as a SBP ≥ 160 mmHg or a DBP ≥ 100 mmHg. Subjects receiving at least one antihypertensive drug and presenting with a normal BP level (< 140/90 mmHg) were identified. Those subjects having high BP in spite of pharmacological treatment were classified as uncontrolled hypertensive. In this study, the mean age of men and women were 68.9 ± 15.3 and 57 ± 14 years, respectively. Subjects were selected in near equal proportion in both sexes (48% male and 52% female). Women, especially the younger ones, had a mean BP level lower than men, but the difference between genders was shown to decrease with age, especially in the older age groups. The prevalence of high BP in men and women were 16.4% and 19.2% respectively. The severity of hypertension increased with age. Stages II-III of hypertension was more frequent in men than in women, but this difference was not significant and 12.3% of the older patients had moderate to severe hypertension. Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease. Data about the prevalence of hypertension, mean levels of SBP and DBP and concomitant risk factors can be helpful in planning preventive strategies [3].

The Relationship between Hardness of Drinking Water with High Blood Pressure Over 30 Years in Rural Population of Divandarreh City in 2014

drinking water and the reduction in the risk of blood pressure (P value<0.05). Also, the results showed that the degree of correlation (R) between the two variables for drinking water hardness levels and the percentage of high blood pressure in men was (-0.496) and in women was (-0.512) and in the total population over 30 years was (-0.61). Conclusion: Use ofn water with medium to high degree ofn hardness can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and consequently the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Inter-arm Differences in Simultaneous Blood Pressure Measurements in Ambulatory Patients without Cardiovascular Diseases

BackgroundIt has traditionally been known that there is normally a difference in blood pressure (BP) between the two arms; there is at least 20 mm Hg difference in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 10 mm Hg difference in the diastolic blood pressure (DBP). However, recent epidemiologic studies have shown that there are between-arm differences of < 5 mm Hg in simultaneous BP measurements. The purposes of this study is to examine whether there are between-arm differences in simultaneous BP measurements obtained from ambulatory patients without cardiovascular diseases and to identify the factors associated these differences.MethodsWe examined 464 patients who visited the outpatient clinic of Gangneung Asan Hospital clinical department. For the current analysis, we excluded patients with ischemic heart disease, stroke, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, or hyperthyroidism. Simultaneous BP measurements were obtained using the Omron MX3 BP monitor in both arms. The inter-arm difference (IAD) in BP was expressed as the relative difference (right-arm BP [R] minus left-arm BP [L]: R - L) and the absolute difference (|R - L|).ResultsThe mean absolute IAD in SBP and DBP were 3.19 ± 2.38 and 2.41 ± 1.59 mm Hg, respectively, in men and 2.61 ± 2.18 and 2.25 ± 2.01 mm Hg, respectively, in women. In men, there were 83.8% of patients with the IAD in SBP of ≤ 6 mm Hg, 98.1% with the IAD in SBP of ≤ 10 mm Hg, 96.5% with the IAD in DBP of ≤ 6 mm Hg and 0% with the IAD in DBP of > 10 mm Hg. In women, 89.6% of patients had IAD in SBP of ≤ 6 mm Hg, 92.1% with IAD in DBP of ≤ 6 mm Hg, and 0% with IAD in SBP of > 10 mm Hg or IAD in DBP of > 10 mm Hg. Gangneung Asan Hospital clinical series of patients showed that the absolute IAD in SBP had a significant correlation with cardiovascular risk factors such as the 10-year Framingham cardiac risk scores and higher BP in men and higher BP in women. However, the absolute IAD in SBP and DBP had no significant correlation with the age, obesity, smoking, drinking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and renal function.ConclusionOur results showed that there were no significant between-arm differences in simultaneous BP measurements. It was also shown that most of the ambulatory patients without cardiovascular diseases had an IAD in SBP of < 10 mm Hg and an IAD in DBP of < 6 mm Hg.

Association between the rs6950982 polymorphism near the SERPINE1 gene and blood pressure and lipid parameters in a high-cardiovascular-risk population: interaction with Mediterranean diet

The SERPINE1 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 1) gene, better known by its previous symbol PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), has been associated with cardiovascular phenotypes with differing results. Our aim was to examine the association between the rs6950982 (G>A) near the SERPINE1 gene, blood pressure (BP) and plasma lipid concentrations as well as the modulation of the polymorphism effects by adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD). We studied 945 high-cardiovascular-risk subjects. Biochemical, clinical, dietary and genetic data (rs6950982) were obtained. We also determined the common rs1799768 (4G/5G), for checking independent effects. AMD was measured by a validated questionnaire, and four groups were considered. rs6950982 (A>G) and rs1799768 (4G/5G) were only in moderate-low linkage disequilibrium (D'=0.719; r (2)=0.167). The most significant associations we obtained were with rs6950982 (A>G). In males, the G allele was nominally associated with higher diastolic BP (AA: 81.5±10.9, AG: 82.1±11.4, GG: 85.7±10.5mmHg; P additive=0.030) and systolic BP (AA+AG: 141.4±6.9mmHg vs. GG: 149.8±8.0mmHg; P recessive=0.036). In the whole population, the rs6950982 was also associated with plasma lipids. Subject with the G allele presented higher total cholesterol (P additive=0.016, P recessive=0.011), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P additive=0.032, P recessive=0.031) and triglycerides (P additive=0.040, P recessive=0.029). AMD modulated the effect of rs6950982 on triglyceride concentrations (P for interaction=0.036). Greater AMD reduced the higher triglyceride concentrations in GG subjects. No significant interactions were found for the other parameters. The rs6950982 was associated with higher BP in men and higher triglycerides in the whole population, this association being modulated by AMD.

The Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid Concentration and Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

Higher prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia are getting more and more attention. Uric acid (UA) has been frequently reported to be associated with MetS in the general population. Sex difference in this relationship is inconsistent. As a selective antioxidant, UA has also been found to be reduced in patients with schizophrenia, and this effect may be prominent in men. With the inconsistent presentations, higher rate of MetS but possible lower UA concentrations, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship by sexes between serum UA concentrations and prevalence of MetS in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A total of 637 patients, 342 male and 295 female, were enrolled from 36 psychiatric rehabilitation institutions. Cross-sectional anthropometrical data, biochemical analysis, and serum UA were measured. Serum UA concentrations were divided into quartiles by sexes. Modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asians were used as diagnosis of MetS. After adjustment, higher UA concentrations are associated with hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and high blood pressure in men and with hypertriglyceridemia in women. Significantly higher odds ratios for MetS in the UA third (4.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-12.1) and fourth quartiles (9.28; 95% confidence interval, 2.90-29.8) compared with the lowest quartile were found in men but not in women after adjustment. These results suggest that lower UA concentrations in male patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder are associated with lower risk of MetS.

Abstract MP048: Partner Violence is Associated with Higher Blood Pressure in Men and Women

Introduction: Women are more likely to experience distress and injury from intimate partner violence (IPV), and may also be at greater risk of higher blood pressure than male victims. However, most prior epidemiologic research has not included men and has not examined perpetation, despite the predominance of mutually violent relationships. Therefore, this study investigates sex differences in the relationship between exposure to IPV victimization and perpetration and systolic blood pressure (SB). Methods: The study included 3447 (52% female; mean(sd) age=22(3)) participants of Waves 3 (2001–2002) and 4 (2007) of the publically-available subset of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Frequency of psychological, physical, sexual IPV and IPV-related injury were ascertained with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales at Wave 3. Exposure to IPV was categorized as no IPV victimization or perpetration (ref), only low victimization and / or perpetration, high victimization and low/no perpetration, high perpetration and low/no victimization, and both high victimization and perpetration. SBP was measured at Wave 4 using standard procedures. Potential confounders (age, educational attainment, race, history of child abuse) and mediators (depressive symptoms, breakfast consumption, moderate physical exercise, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption) were recorded at Wave 3. Multivariable weighted linear regression was used to test the relationship between SBP and IPV by adjusting for confounders then by adjusting for the proposed mediators. Analyses were stratified by sex and a multiplicative term was tested. Results: Approximately 30% of the sample reported IPV exposure (n=2050), of which 23% (n=831) experienced low victimization and or perpetration, 5% (n=157) high victimization, 6% (N=203) high perpetration, 6% (n=206) both high victimization and perpetration. Women were slightly more likely to report high perpetration and both high victimization and high perpetration (p&lt;0.01). In separate models controlling for confounders, experiencing both high victimization and perpetration was associated with 4.02 mmHg SBP higher in men (95% CI: 0.32, 7.72) and 2.51 mmHg SBP higher in women (95% CI: 0.18, 4.84) compared to those with no IPV. In addition, reporting high perpetration was associated with 3.83 mmHg higher SBP in men (95% CI: –0.72, 8.38), while high victimization was associated with 2.94 mmHg higher SBP for women (95% CI: –0.61, 6.49). Further adjustment for the hypothesized mediators slightly attenuated the findings. The multiplicative term (IPV X sex) was marginally significant (p=0.09). Conclusions: Exposure to high levels of victimization and perpetration is associated with higher levels of SBP for men and women. High victimization alone is related to higher SBP for women while high perpetration is related to higher SBP for men.

Serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese adults

A positive association between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome has been reported, but little information is available about the association between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between serum uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese adults. We performed a cross-sectional study of 2085 men and 1557 women. All of the participants underwent a health screening during the period from January 2005 to December 2005 at a health center of the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The results showed that hyperuricemia was significantly associated with increased risk for hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and high blood pressure in men and women. The risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in the fourth quartile than in the first quartile of uric acid level in men (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.14) and women (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.39-3.93). In addition, uric acid level was inversely associated with hyperglycemia in men. The ORs of hyperglycemia for the second, third, and fourth quartile of uric acid were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.46-1.03), 0.55 (95% CI, 0.37-0.83), and 0.45 (95% CI, 0.29-0.69), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile of uric acid. The results demonstrate that there is a positive association between serum uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome and an inverse association between uric acid and fasting plasma glucose in Taiwanese adults.

Risk Factors Associated With Newly Diagnosed High Blood Pressure in Men and Women

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Early diagnosis and prevention of hypertension are of great importance in reducing overall mortality. The objective was to determine which potential risk factors are associated with newly diagnosed high blood pressure in women and men. This study is part of a population-based, cross-sectional study including 4,228 women and men aged 60 years in Stockholm County, Sweden. Newly diagnosed high blood pressure was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 140/90 measured on one occasion. Subjects with known hypertension were excluded, leaving 3,156 individuals. Waist circumference > or =95 cm (quintiles 3-5) in men and > or =88.5 cm (quintiles 4-5) in women was associated with newly diagnosed high blood pressure. Secondary school was a protective factor in men (odds ratio (OR), men = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54-0.99) and university education was protective in both men (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52-0.85) and women (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.34-0.59). Regular physical activity was negatively associated in women (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.99), and high alcohol consumption (>30 g/day) was positively associated in men (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.22-2.09). Women were negatively associated with newly diagnosed high blood pressure (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.41-0.61). An interaction between college/university and gender was found in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47-0.97). Gender differences in risk profile for newly diagnosed high blood pressure might explain part of the differences in hypertension found between men and women. These findings should be considered when planning preventive actions against hypertension at the community level.

The Association of Thyroid Immunity with Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index in Primary Care Patients

Objectives. To evaluate the association of thyroid immunity with cardiovascular symptoms and body mass index (BMI). Methods. Four hundred and sixty-five primary care patients underwent ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland, with hypo-echoic thyroid pattern indicating autoimmune involvement. BMI and blood pressure (BP) were the main outcomes. Results. Men and women with hypo-echoic thyroid had higher BMI and higher BP in comparison to patients with normo-echoic thyroid. Among women with hypo-echoic thyroid, only those who were premenopausal had higher BMI and higher BP in comparison to women with normo-echoic thyroid. Conclusions. Thyroid immunity is related to higher BMI and higher BP in men and women, especially in premenopausal women.

Regular analgesic use linked to high blood pressure in men

Regular analgesic use linked to high blood pressure in men

Features of the metabolic syndrome and the risk of non-vertebral fractures: The Tromsø study

We wanted to examine whether the features of the metabolic syndrome carried an increased risk of non-vertebral fracture. This is a population-based, 6-year follow-up of 27,159 subjects from the municipality of Tromsø, followed from 1994 until 2001. Age range was 25-98 years. Non-fasting serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and glucose, blood pressure (BP), weight and height were measured at baseline. All non-vertebral fractures were registered by computerised search in radiographic archives. A total of 1,249 non-vertebral fractures were registered. Increasing number of metabolic syndrome features was associated with significantly reduced fracture risk in both men and women, p= 0.004 and p<0.0001, respectively. High BP was protective against fracture in men [relative risk (RR) 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-0.99)] while increased body mass index (BMI) was protective in women (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98). Increasing non-fasting serum levels of HDL increased fracture risk in women (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.05-1.21). BMI modified the effect of HDL in men. Accordingly, high HDL increased fracture risk in men with high BMI (RR 1.51; 95% CI 1.2-1.9). Increasing burden of metabolic syndrome features protects against non-vertebral fractures. Reduced non-vertebral fracture risk was associated with high BP in men and increased body mass in women. Lower non-fasting serum levels of HDL protect against fractures in women and obese men.

Gender difference in response to thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonism in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Blood pressure (BP) is typically higher in men than in women. As in humans, BP is higher in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) than in female SHRs. The mechanism(s) responsible for the higher BP in men and male rats has not been elucidated. The present study tested the hypothesis that thromboxane and/or the thromboxane A(2)/prostaglandin H(2) receptor (TxR) plays a role in the gender difference in BP in SHRs. Male and female SHRs were treated with the TxR antagonist SQ29548 (2 microg/kg/min into the jugular vein) via minipump for 2 weeks; mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal hemodynamic function were measured. To determine whether thromboxane played a role in the higher MAP in SHRs, male and female rats were treated with the thromboxane synthase inhibitor (TxI) furegrelate, 30 mug/kg/min, via minipump, for 2 weeks. MAP was reduced with TxR antagonism in male but not in female SHRs. In addition, TxR antagonism in males caused renal vasodilation with increases in glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow, and reductions in renal vascular resistance. In contrast, MAP was not affected by the TxI in either males or females. These data support a role for TxR, but not thromboxane, in mediating the gender difference in BP in SHRs.