EFFECTS OF STRESS ON RISK OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN GENERAL MALE POPULATION OF 25–64 YEARS OLD: 14 YEARS OF FOLLOW UP (EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE BASIS OF THE WHO PROGRAM «MONICA — PSYCHOSOCIAL»)

Abstract

Objective. To study the effects of stress at home and at work on the 14-year risk of hypertension in men aged 25–64 years.Design and methods. In the framework of the WHO program «MONICA — PSYCHOSOCIAL» a screening study was performed in 1994, and 657 males aged 25–64 years (mean age — 44,3 ± 0,4 years), the citizens of Novosibirsk were included.Results. The greatest risk of hypertension was observed during the 10-year period in men experiencing stress at home (5-fold increase) and at work (6,8 times higher). Those most at risk of hypertension were the divorced and widowed men, and those with physical labor.