Blood pressure levels in Xavánte adults from the Pimentel Barbosa Indian Reservation, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Objective: To study blood pressure (BP) levels in the Xavánte Indians of Central Brazil.

Methods: 93 subjects > or = 15 years old were included. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure readings were taken to the nearest mm Hg at Korotkoff phases 1 and 5 using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Height and weight measurements were taken, as well as general information on demographic, dietary, and social factors, including use of tobacco and alcohol.

Results: 5.3% of the adult men and 7.7% of the adult women (> or = 18 years old) were classified as hypertensive (SBP > or = 140 mm Hg and/or DBP > or = 90 mm Hg). No patients were classified as stage 3 hypertensive (SBP > or = 180 mm Hg or DBP > or = 110 mm Hg). Men had higher mean body weight and height than women. There was no major difference in mean BMI (body mass index) for men and women. SBP showed a positive and statistically significant correlation with age in both men (P = .056) and women (P = .040). Among men, DBP showed a negative correlation with height (P = .032). Among women, weight and BMI showed a positive correlation with DBP (P = .013 and P = .005, respectively). Diastolic pressure did not show statistically significant correlation with age for either sex (P>.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension has increased among the Xavánte over the years, which is probably related to behavioral, social, and economic alterations deriving from increased interaction with Brazilian national society.