FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN THE GENERAL WORKING AGE POPULATION

Abstract

Aim. To determine the factors associated with the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) in the unorganized urban population of working age.Methods. Random sample drawn from adult urban population aged 25–64 years (n = 1600, 59%-women) was examined in the standardized cardiologic screening program. The following associative factors were analyzed: age, family status, level of education and income; excessive salt consumption (ESC), low physical activity, alcohol consumption; family history of AH; anxiety/depression (HADS); smoking, body mass index (BMI), heart rate (HR). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships. A p value of <5% was considered statistically signifcant.Results. After adjustment for age, the odds for AH were higher in men (OR = 1,57, p<0,001) with the maximum gender effect found in 35–44 years (OR = 3,66, p<0,001). In the singlefactor analysis, age, BMI, family history of AH, HR and ESC were the most signifcant risk factors for AH in men. Secondary education and clinical anxiety in addition with the above-mentioned ones increased odds for AH in women. In the multivariable model, age, BMI, family history of AH and HR were associated with high AH prevalence in men. In women, these factors included age, BMI, family history of AH, HR, ESC, middle education and clinical anxiety. Out of the other modifable risk factors, BMI contributed greatly to the variability in AH prevalence in the examined population.Conclusion. The obtained fndings provides novel data on the comparative signifcance of the studied risk factors. The efforts to prevent excessive weight gain and dietary salt consumption seem promising to reduce AH prevalence in the population. Further studies focusing on the role of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors for AH development will ensure the establishment of more effective, accurate and personalized prevention approaches in the future.