Diet, alcohol, body mass, and social factors in relation to blood pressure: the Caerphilly Heart Study.

Data for 387 men who had completed seven-day weighed dietary records as part of the Caerphilly Heart Study were examined for relations of alcohol, diet, body mass index (BMI), and other variables to blood pressure. These included age, smoking, exercise, and social class. For men not on antihypertensive treatment (n = 356) regression analysis showed that age (p less than 0.001), BMI (p less than 0.05), and alcohol intake (p less than 0.01) were significantly related to systolic blood pressure, and BMI (p less than 0.001) and alcohol intake (p less than 0.01) to diastolic blood pressure. In addition, protein intake (p less than 0.05) was significantly and inversely related to the risk of being hypertensive, but other dietary variables were not related to blood pressure. For men on antihypertensive treatment (n = 31) significant inverse correlations were observed between diastolic blood pressure and the intakes of potassium (p less than 0.01), fibre (p less than 0.001), polyunsaturated fat (p less than 0.01), and a number of other dietary variables. Reasons for these differences are discussed.     

饮酒对男性原发性高血压患者降压疗效的影响

目的探讨男性原发性高血压患者ACEI(苯那普利)治疗期间饮用白酒对降压疗效的影响。方法采用前瞻性队列研究方法,用多元线性回归和Logistic回归对资料进行统计分析。结果经过15天ACEI治疗,饮酒组收缩压和舒张压下降幅度明显低于非饮酒组,且和饮酒量呈负相关剂量反应关系。其中,每天饮酒大于50ml饮酒组的收缩压和舒张压下降幅度与非饮酒组相比,分别少下降5.26mmHg(0.70kPa)(P=0.0116)和3.32mmHg(0.44kPa)(P=0.0349)。Logistic回归分析发现,每天饮酒大于50ml饮酒组,其收缩压降压有效率为非饮酒组的45%(P=0.0493),舒张压降压有效率为非饮酒组的76%(P=0.4750),但未达到统计显著性差异。结论男性原发性高血压患者在ACEI治疗期间饮用白酒降低降压疗效。     

Multiple risk factor clustering and risk of hypertension in Japanese male office workers

Major risk factors associated with hypertension (a family history of hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and increased white blood cell counts) were assessed in 5275 Japanese male office workers aged 23-59 years. After controlling for potential risk factors of hypertension, the odds ratio of hypertension compared with the absence of risk factors was 1.91, 2.65, 3.88, 6.54, and 8.18 for the presence of 1, 2, 3, 4, and > or = 5 risk factors, respectively (P for trend < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels also increased in a dose-dependent manner as the number of risk factors increased. Among men not taking antihypertensive medication, the adjusted mean differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mmHg) were 11.2 and 9.2 between men with the presence of > or = 5 risk factors and men without risk factors, respectively. These results indicate that the accumulation of risk factors is highly associated with the increased risk of hypertension in Japanese men.     

Distribution of blood pressures in Gemlik District,north-west Turkey

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension among individuals over 30 years of age and to plan a follow-up programme for the same age group. A community-based sample of 1992 individuals (952 men and 1,040 women) was selected randomly. Out of the total study population, 1,388 (69.7%) individuals had normal blood pressure according to World Health Organisation criteria (systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg), and the rest (n = 604, 30.3%) had hypertension to varying degrees. Since 61 individuals with normal blood pressure were using antihypertensive medication, the overall hypertension prevalence was 33.4%. Among the study subjects with hypertension, 44.4% were aware of their condition, 37.7% were using medication and 9.2% had controlled hypertension. One out of five individuals (n = 399, 20.0%) had never had their blood pressure measured before. Females had a higher hypertension prevalence than males (36.7% and 29.7%, respectively). Hypertension prevalence increased with age and individuals with a body mass index > 25 were at greater risk. The present findings suggest that there is a need to implement an effective, community-based and low-cost management programme.     

Sex and age interactions in the association between alcohol and blood pressure

The cross-sectional association between alcohol intake and blood pressure was examined in a probability sample of Michigan adults surveyed in 1983. Despite adjustments for race, sex, age, Quetelet index, and current treatment with antihypertensive medications, heavier alcohol intakes (more than one drink daily) were associated with increased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and prevalence of elevated blood pressure. These associations were somewhat exaggerated in women and in younger persons. Statistically significant differences in blood pressure were demonstrated only among consumers of more than one drink daily. Attributable risk calculations indicated that no more than 8.4 and 8.5% of instances of elevated blood pressure (systolic pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg) in men and women, respectively, could be attributed to alcohol intakes exceeding one drink daily.     

Migration, blood pressure pattern, and hypertension: the Yi Migrant Study.

Rural-urban migration provides an ideal opportunity to examine the effects of environment and genes on blood pressure. The effect of migration on the Yi people of China was studied. The Yi people live in a remote mountain area in southwestern China. In 1989, blood pressure was measured in 14,505 persons (8,241 Yi farmers, 2,575 urban Yi migrants, and 3,689 Han urban residents) aged 15-89 years. Different patterns were seen for men and women. Among the men, Yi farmers had the lowest mean blood pressure, the least rise in blood pressure with age (systolic blood pressure, 0.13 mmHg/year; diastolic blood pressure, 0.23 mmHg/year), and the lowest prevalence of hypertension (0.66%). In contrast, both Yi migrant men and Han men had higher levels of mean blood pressure, rise in blood pressure with age (Yi migrants: systolic pressure, 0.33 mmHg/year; diastolic pressure, 0.33 mmHg/year; Han: systolic pressure, 0.36 mmHg/year; diastolic pressure, 0.23 mmHg/year), and prevalence of hypertension (Yi migrants, 4.25%; Han, 4.91%). Among the women, however, mean systolic pressure was higher in Yi farmers than in Yi migrants or in Han. Diastolic pressure was similar among the three groups. However, the Yi farmer women's age-related rise in blood pressure (systolic pressure, 0.06 mmHg/year; diastolic pressure, 0.14 mmHg/year) and their prevalence of hypertension (0.33%) were lower than those in the other two groups. Yi migrant women had an intermediate rise in blood pressure with age (systolic pressure, 0.37 mmHg/year; diastolic pressure, 0.23 mmHg/year) and prevalence of hypertension (2.40%). Han women had the greatest rise in blood pressure with age (systolic pressure, 0.56 mmHg/year; diastolic pressure, 0.36 mmHg/year) and the highest prevalence of hypertension (4.76%). For both men and women, the above differences were only partially explained by age, body mass index, heart rate, smoking, and alcohol use. This study, using standardized methods, demonstrates an important effect of migration on rise in blood pressure with age and on the prevalence of hypertension.     

Blood pressure and risk of renal cell carcinoma in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition

Elevated blood pressure has been implicated as a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but prospective studies were confined to men and did not consider the effect of antihypertensive medication. The authors examined the relation among blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, and RCC in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Blood pressure was measured in 296,638 women and men, recruited in eight European countries during 1992-1998, 254,935 of whom provided information on antihypertensive medication. During a mean follow-up of 6.2 years, 250 cases of RCC were identified. Blood pressure was independently associated with risk of RCC. The relative risks for the highest versus the lowest category of systolic (>/=160 mmHg vs. <120 mmHg) and diastolic (>/=100 mmHg vs. <80 mmHg) blood pressures were 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.53, 4.02) and 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.54, 3.55). Risk estimates did not significantly differ according to sex or use of antihypertensive medication. Individuals taking antihypertensive drugs were not at a significantly increased risk unless blood pressure was poorly controlled. These results support the hypothesis that hypertension, rather than its medications, increases the risk of RCC in both sexes, while effective blood pressure control may lower the risk.     

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Japanese rural communities]

BACKGROUND: In Japan, a national survey indicated that only 7% of hypertensive patients had a blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg. There have been no reports of studies investigating all of the prevalence of hypertension, the percentage of subjects who are aware of hypertension, the percentage being treated, and the percentage that are well-controlled (awareness, treatment and control, respectively) among hypertensives in the Japanese general population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension, and awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among hypertensives in a Japanese rural population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of base-line data of the Jichi Medical School Cohort Study. SETTING: Twelve rural communities is 8 prefectures in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling people who participated in the health examination program in 1992-1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure (BP) measured once in the sitting position after a 5-minute rest using oscillometric automatic BP monitors (BP203RV-II; Nippon Colin, Japan), and history of hypertension assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 11,302 subjects (4,415 men and 6,887 women). The mean (standard deviation) age was 55(12) years for men and 55(11) years for women. Mean systolic BP and diastolic BP levels were, respectively, 131(21) mmHg and 79(12) mmHg for men and 128(21) mmHg and 76(12) mmHg for women. Prevalence of hypertension (systolic BP > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic BP > or = 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication) was 37% for men and 33% for women. Percentages for awareness (on medication or present past history), treatment and control (both systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) were, respectively, 39%, 27% and 10% for men and 46%, 38% and 13% for women. CONCLUSIONS: About one third of the study popUlation were hypertensive, and awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among the hypertensives were 43%, 34% and 12%, respectively. Less than half of the hypertensives were well-controlled even when measurement bias was considered. In the rural Japanese population, improvements are required with regard to awareness, treatment and control of hypertension.     

Alcohol consumption and blood pressure

The relationship between alcohol consumption and systolic and diastolic blood pressure was examined in a representative population sample of 1,429 men and women aged 35-64 years in Auckland, New Zealand during 1982. Univariate plots demonstrated a U-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and systolic and diastolic blood pressures in men and in women aged 50 years and older, with light and moderate drinkers (less than 0-34 g alcohol/day) having lower blood pressure levels than either nondrinkers or heavy drinkers. No clear relationship was seen in younger women. The U-shaped relationship in men, particularly for systolic blood pressure, remained after controlling for potential confounders, whereas in women aged 50 years and older, there appeared to be a threshold level of approximately four drinks per day, below which drinkers had similar blood pressure levels to nondrinkers. In the multivariate analyses, it was calculated that among men, light and moderate drinkers had systolic levels 4.8 mmHg lower and diastolic levels 1.7 mmHg lower than nondrinkers and heavy drinkers, while among women aged 50-64 years, nondrinkers, light drinkers, or moderate drinkers had systolic levels 10.2 mmHg lower and diastolic levels 4.5 mmHg lower than heavy drinkers. These findings suggest that in men and in women aged 50 years and older, there is a nonlinear relationship between blood pressure and alcohol consumption, and that there is a level of alcohol consumption, of approximately four drinks per day, below which drinkers have either similar or lower blood pressure levels compared to nondrinkers.     

氨氯地平联合培哚普利对高血压患者血压变异性的影响

目的 观察氨氯地平联合培哚普利对高血压患者血压变异性的影响.方法 选择2012年9月至2013年10月就诊的原发性高血压患者,均给予氨氯地平5 mg/d（4周）,4周后血压仍不能控制的患者（78例）,按随机数字表法分为A、B两组,每组39例,A组患者服用氨氯地平剂量加倍（10 mg/d）;B组在服用氨氯地平的基础上加服培哚普利4 mg/d.A、B两组患者均在加服药前与加服药8周后采用无创便携式动态血压监测仪检测24 h动态血压,以测量值的标准差和变异系数作为血压变异性的指标.结果 A组加服药8周后,24 h收缩压变异度（24 h SSD）、白天收缩压变异度（dSSD）、夜间收缩压变异度（nSSD）、夜间收缩压变异系数（nSCV）、24 h舒张压变异度（24h DSD）、白天舒张压变异度（dDSD）、夜间舒张压变异度（nDSD）均较加服药前降低[（13.22±1.10） mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）比（15.97±1.65） mmHg、（12.04±2.21） mmHg比（15.15±2.89） mmHg、（10.22±3.29） mmHg比（12.23±3.21） mmHg、0.093±0.021比0.104±0.017、（11.33±2.09） mmHg比（13.27±1.43） mmHg、（10.64±1.81） mmHg比（12.57±1.43） mmHg、（9.56±1.32） mmHg比（11.23±2.26） mmHg],差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但24 h收缩压变异系数（24 h SCV）、白天收缩压变异系数（dSCV）、24h舒张压变异系数（24 h DCV）、白天舒张压变异系数（dDCV）、夜间舒张压变异系数（nDCV）变化差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;B组加服药8周后,与加服药前比较,24 h SSD、24 h SCV、dSSD、dSCV、24 h DSD、24 h DCV、dDSD、dDCV、nDSD均显著下降[（10.23±4.72） mmHg比（15.27±3.23） mmHg、0.083±0.032比0.106±0.019、（10.85±3.29）mmHg比（15.09±3.21）mmHg、0.080±0.028比0.096±0.025、（10.13±2.43）mmHg比（13.37 ±3.13） mmHg、0.111±0.035比0.136±0.032、（9.58±2.49） mmHg比（12.29±3.27） mmHg、0.112±0.036比0.123±0.041、（9.46±2.78） mmHg比（11.19±4.26） mmHg],差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但nSSD、nSCV及nDCV变化差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;加服药8周后,B组24 h SSD、24 h SCV、24 h DSD、24h DCV、dSSD、dDSD、dSCV及dDCV均显著低于A组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;两组nSSD、nDSD、nSCV及nDCV比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 氨氯地平单药加倍剂量和氨氯地平联合培哚普利均能有效降低24 h收缩压及舒张压变异性,且联合治疗的效果更好,值得进一步推广使用.     

Lowering of diastolic blood pressure < or = 90 mmHg should not be attempted, except in type 2 diabetics; the 'Hypertension optimal treatment' (HOT) trial]

Recently the 'Hypertension optimal treatment' (HOT) study was reported. In this study 18,790 patients with diastolic blood pressure between 100 and 115 mmHg were randomly assigned target pressures of < or = 90, < or = 85 and < or = 80 mmHg respectively, and treated with a felodipine-based antihypertensive regimen. In all three groups an impressive fall in both diastolic and systolic blood pressures, and as a consequence very few major cardiovascular events (the primary endpoint of the study) were observed, but there was no difference in endpoint scores among the three groups. Type 2 diabetic patients fared substantially better than non-diabetic patients and they are likely to profit if their diastolic pressure is decreased below 80 mmHg. In the remaining patients rigorous maintenance of present-day standards (diastolic pressure < or = 90 mmHg) is advised. The addition of 75 mg aspirin 1 dd resulted in a modest but significant reduction of major cardiovascular events, but at the cost of increased gastrointestinal bleedings.     

Blutdruck in Deutschland 2008–2011

High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. It is a main determinant of morbidity and mortality in Germany. In the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) the blood pressure of 7,096 adults aged 18–79 years was measured in a standardised way using oscillometric blood pressure devices (Datascope Accutorr Plus). The average of the second and third measurements was used for analysis. The mean systolic blood pressure was 120.8 mmHg in women and 127.4 mmHg in men, while the mean diastolic blood pressure was 71.2 mmHg in women and 75.3 mmHg in men. Blood pressure values were hypertensive (systolic blood pressure ≥?140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥?90 mmHg) in 12.7?% of women and in 18.1?% of men. Hypertension (defined as having hypertensive blood pressure or taking antihypertensive medication in known cases of hypertension) was present in 29.9?% of women and 33.3?% of men. Almost 75?% of the survey’s highest age group, 70–79, had hypertension. DEGS1 demonstrates that high blood pressure remains a highly prevalent risk factor in the population at large. The methodology employed in measuring blood pressure has been improved as compared to that of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98) and it will be possible to draw comparisons soon, once a procedure for calibrating the 1998 data has been finalised. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.     

Isolated systolic hypertension in 14 communities

In the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program, 158,906 individuals from 14 communities around the United States had their blood pressure measured in their homes in 1972-1973. Of the total population screened, 2.4% had isolated systolic hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg). Isolated systolic hypertension was present for 0.5% of those aged 30-39 years and 6.8% among those aged 60-69 years. The prevalence in blacks and women was greater than the prevalences in both whites and men. The prevalence among those taking antihypertensive medications at the time of screening was 6.1%, and 1.9% among those not on antihypertensive medications. From the individuals with "normal" diastolic blood pressure on the single home measurement (less than 90 mmHg), a random sample of 5,032 individuals were followed for mortality for eight years. Prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension was similar in this sample to that in the total. Among those not on antihypertensive medications, 8-year life table all-cause mortality rates adjusted for age, race, and sex were 17.6% for those with systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and 7.7% for those with systolic blood pressure greater than 160 mmHg. Among this population, all of whom had a diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg, a multiple logistic analysis adjusting for baseline treatment status, age, race, sex, education, smoking, weight, pulse, physical activity, and systolic blood pressure revealed that each millimeter increase in systolic blood pressure was associated with approximately a 1% increase in mortality over the eight years of follow-up (p less than 0.05). Isolated systolic hypertension is both relatively common and a significant risk factor for subsequent mortality.     

Soy milk lowers blood pressure in men and women with mild to moderate essential hypertension

Soy-based diets reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats, but apparently not in hypertensive humans. In the present study, the antihypertensive potential of soy milk (500 mL twice daily) compared with cow's milk was investigated in a 3-mo double-blind randomized study of 40 men and women with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Before initiation of the study, urinary isoflavonoids (measured by HPLC) were undetectable in most cases (for genistein, they were always <100 micromol/L). After 3 mo of soy milk consumption, systolic blood pressure decreased by 18.4 +/- 10.7 mmHg compared with 1.4 +/- 7.2 mmHg in the cow's milk group (P < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure decreased by 15.9 +/- 9.8 mmHg vs. 3.7 +/- 5.0 mmHg in the cow's milk group (P < 0.0001) and mean blood pressure decreased by 16.7 +/- 9.0 mmHg compared with 3.0 +/- 4.6 mmHg in the cow's milk group (P < 0.0001). Urinary genistein was strongly (r = -0.588) and significantly (P = 0.002) correlated with the decrease in blood pressure, particularly for diastolic values. In conclusion, chronic soy milk consumption had modest, but significant hypotensive action in essential hypertensive subjects. This hypotensive action was correlated with the urinary excretion of the isoflavonoid genistein.     

Association of blood pressure with intake of soy products and other food groups in Japanese men and women

BACKGROUND: Soy diet has been suggested to have antihypertensive effect in animal studies. The present study examined the cross-sectional relationship between blood pressure and intake of soy products and other food groups in Japanese men and women. METHODS: Blood pressure was measured in Japanese 294 men and 330 women (246 premenopausal and 84 peri- and postmenopausal women) who participated in a health check-up program provided by a general hospital. Intake of various food groups and nutrients was estimated from a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: In men, soy product intake was inversely significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.12, P = 0.04) after controlling for age, total energy, smoking status, body mass index, and intake of alcohol, salt and seaweeds. The correlation of soy product intake with systolic blood pressure was of borderline significance (r = -0.10, P = 0.09). Systolic blood pressure was inversely correlated with intake of vegetables (r = -0.12, P = 0.04) and dairy products (r = -0.12, P = 0.05). There were no significant correlations between soy product intake and diastolic blood pressure in women. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a mild effect of soy intake on blood pressure reduction in men.     

The prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Klong Toey slum and Klong Toey government apartment houses

We have investigated the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in 976 residents of Klong Toey Slum and 909 residents of government apartment houses, aged 30 and above, selected by probability sampling after systematic household surveys with an average response rate of over 80%. Hypertensives were those who had, on at least three measurements, average diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 95 mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure equal to or above 160 mmHg or had blood pressure below 160/95 mmHg but were currently on antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of total hypertensives were found to be 17.3% and 14.0% for residents of slum and government apartment houses respectively. Men and women had more or less equal mean blood pressure and similar prevalence of hypertension. The mean systolic blood pressure increased with age while the mean diastolic blood pressure, after an initial rise with age in lower age groups, tended to level off from the age group 55-64 years upwards. Only one quarter to one third were aware of their illness and less than 15% were receiving treatment. Significant risk factors include age, duration of smoking, duration of alcohol intake, high body mass index, high Cholesterol, high Triglyceride, high Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDLC), low High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDLC), high Total Cholesterol (TC) to High Density Lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDLC), high LDLC to HDLC ratio and diabetes mellitus. The data suggested that hypertension was an important public health problem in low socioeconomic groups in Bangkok. Some of the risk factors were related to an unhealthy lifestyle which should receive due consideration in planning for appropriate control.     

The association of blood pressure with cancer incidence in a prospective study

A cohort of 8,006 Japanese-American men living in Hawaii was examined from 1965 to 1968 and followed for about 20 years. The study identified 1,155 incident cases of histologically confirmed cancer and 648 deaths due to cancer. There was no association between systolic or diastolic blood pressure and total cancer incidence or deaths due to cancer. The relative risk was 1.03 for cancer incidence and 1.00 for cancer mortality for subjects with a systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or greater. Adjustment was made for age, smoking, alcohol, and measures related to obesity. When cancers of specified sites were studied, blood pressure was positively associated with the incidence of kidney cancer (17 cases). After adjustment for the significant effect of taking antihypertensive medication, the effect of blood pressure became nonsignificant. Among seven other cancer sites, there were no statistically significant associations with blood pressure after adjustment for confounding factors.     

Alcohol, patient compliance and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients

The association of self-reported use of alcohol with blood pressure and compliance with antihypertensive medication was studied in a randomly selected population sample in eastern Finland. We found a positive correlation between reported use of alcohol and diastolic blood pressure level and a negative correlation with the reduction of diastolic blood pressure during a five-year treatment. These correlations were independent of age, gender, and blood pressure level 5 years earlier. The use of alcohol was associated, especially in men, with poor compliance with antihypertensive medication. In addition to a possible direct contribution to high blood pressure, alcohol intake resulted in an inadequate control of blood pressure in male hypertensive patients by lowering patient compliance.     

Pet ownership and blood pressure in old age

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that pet ownership improves cardiovascular health. This study examines the relation of pet ownership with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and hypertension in a large sample of older men and women. METHODS: Participants were 1179 community-dwelling men (n = 498) and women (n = 681) age 50-95 years. Participants responded to a 1991-1992 mailed questionnaire ascertaining pet ownership, and they attended a 1992-1996 clinic visit at which systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured and use of antihypertensive medication was validated. Pulse pressure was calculated as SBP minus DBP. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as (SBP+DBP)/2. Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and information on other potential confounders were obtained. RESULTS: Average age of participants was 70.4 +/- 10.8 years; 30.0% reported current pet ownership. Mean SBP was 137.5 +/- 21.4 mm Hg, and DBP was 76.1 +/- 9.3 mm Hg; 55.6% were hypertensive (SBP >or= 140, DBP >or= 90 or taking hypertension medication). Pet owners were younger and slightly more overweight and they exercised less than nonowners; owners were somewhat more likely to have diabetes and to use beta-blockers. In unadjusted analyses, pet owners had lower SBP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure, and a reduced risk of hypertension (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval = 0.49-0.80). However, after adjustment for age and other confounders, pet ownership was not associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure or risk of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that pet ownership is not independently associated with blood pressure, vascular reactivity, or hypertension.     

Isolated systolic hypertension in Dutch middle aged and all-cause mortality: a 25-year prospective study

In the early 1950s, the blood pressure of 3901 Dutch civil servants and their spouses aged 40-65 years was measured in a general health survey. Isolated systolic hypertension (systolic pressure greater than 160 mmHg, diastolic pressure less than 90 mmHg) was observed in 6.3% of the women and 3.0% of the men. The prevalence increased with age and it was more common in women in all age groups. Using logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders (age, smoking, serum cholesterol, Quetelet index, alcohol consumption, haemoglobin level, pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure) the association of 15- and 25-year total mortality with isolated systolic hypertension was determined. Compared to normotensive people (systolic pressure less than or equal to 135 mmHg, diastolic pressure less than 90 mmHg), the risk of death from all causes was significantly higher for men with isolated systolic hypertension after 15 and 25 years of follow-up (odds ratio OR = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.8 and OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-8.0). For women 15-years mortality risk was strongly associated with isolated systolic hypertension (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.7). The increased risk was less pronounced after 25 years of follow-up (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 0.96-3.0). Our results support those of other studies and indicate that isolated systolic hypertension is an important independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. Since isolated systolic hypertension may be an indicator for the early onset of ageing, it is important to study its determinants and to pay more attention to its diagnosis and treatment in middle-aged populations.