Hypertension and its correlates in the Hutterite community of Alberta

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its correlates in the Hutterite population of Alberta. A total of 811 subjects from 38 Hutterite colonies participated in the survey. A self- and interviewer-administered questionnaire gathered information about past medical history, lifestyle habits, and family history. Blood pressure, blood cholesterol, 2 hour postprandial blood glucose and height and weight were also measured. The prevalence of diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mm Hg was approximately twice that reported in other Canadian surveys: 60% and 30% for the males and females respectively. Half of the participants found to be hypertensive were unaware of their condition and of those aware, 76% were uncontrolled. There were significant correlations between diastolic blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI), cholesterol, age and glucose. This study supports the need for the development of culturally appropriate health promotion programs related to hypertension in this population.