High blood pressure and some risk factors in a Brazilian capital.

Objectives: Estimate the prevalence of hypertension and some cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population of a major city in Brazil.

Methods: Descriptive, observational, transversal population-based study substantiated by the home survey of a simple random sample (>18 years old). Standardized questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic information, measurements of blood pressure (2 measurements), weight, height, and abdominal circumference (AC). Microsoft Access and Epi Info 6 were used for data storage and analysis, respectively. The last blood pressure reading was used (hypertension: BP>140 x 90 mm Hg).

Results: The study evaluated 1,739 individuals (87% of the estimated sample). There was a predominance of females (65.4%) and mean age was 39.7 years (+/- 15.6); arterial hypertension prevalence was 36.4%, higher for the male population (41.8%) when compared to females (31.8%). Correlation between Hypertension and Body Mass Index was positive, as well as with AC and age. The female gender and higher income were protective factors against hypertension. There was no correlation with schooling. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 30.0% and 13.6%, respectively; overweight was higher among females and obesity among males. The prevalence of smoking was 20.1%, more frequent among males (27.1%), when compared to females (16.4%). A sedentary lifestyle was observed in 62.3% of the population, with no difference between the genders. Regular alcohol consumption was reported by 44.4% of the individuals, being more frequent in males.

Conclusion: Hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors (particularly overweight/obesity) indicators are high, reinforcing the need for objective nationwide measures to fight this disease, in order to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.