Relationship between lifestyle factors and hypertension: a cross-sectional analysis from the Gubbio study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a well-established and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle behaviours for its prevention and control are recommended within worldwide guidelines. Their relationship with HTN need more investigations.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the associations between lifestyle, anthropometric and biological measurements and BP in the Gubbio residential study.

Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were performed using data from Gubbio study. Information concerning lifestyle factors were collected using self-reported questionnaire and were further completed with a baseline clinical examination and blood exams. Three BP measurements were performed following a standard protocol. Age-adjusted and multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between lifestyle parameters and HTN separately for each sex. We used heterogeneity test to observe sex differences.

Results: There were 3,183 persons included (48% men, 43 ± 17 years old). Mean systolic BP (SBP) was 119 ± 16 mmHg and 10.6% were hypertensives. Age [OR: 129.70 (95%CI: 18.57-905.79) in women and OR: 8.37 (95%CI: 4.01-17.48) (p < 0.0001) in men] and BMI [OR: 2.14 (95%CI: 1.32-3.46) (p = 0.006) in women and OR: 1.81 (95%CI: 1.05-3.12), p = 0.03 in men], were positively associated with SBP in both sexes. Serum uric acid [OR: 3.86 (95%CI: 2.03-7.26), p = 0.04] was positively associated with HTN in women while fasting blood glucose [OR: 3.04 (95%CI: 1.55-5.97), p < 0.001] were associated to HTN only in men.

Discussion: In addition to age, BMI is associated with HTN in both sexes while sex differences were observed in the associations between serum uric acid, fasting blood glucose and HTN.

Keywords: Blood pressure; hypertension; prevention; sex difference.