Risk factors associated with newly diagnosed high blood pressure in men and women

BACKGROUND 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. METHODS 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. RESULTS Waist circumference 195 cm (quintiles 3-5) in men and >= 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 (> 30g/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). CONCLUSION 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.