Lifestyle profiles of hypertensives

Healthy lifestyles and quality of life are key elements in the health of individuals and the community as a whole. This study examines the relationship of specific lifestyle behaviours to blood pressure in subjects being treated for hypertension. Data were collected over a two-year period and analysis was completed in June, 1989. Discriminant analysis identified that, of the lifestyles selected, predictors of uncontrolled hypertension were a high calcium intake, a high perceived level of stress, and a 'normal' body mass index. Profiles of lifestyle behaviours identified by discriminant analysis found to be important to various age and sex groupings of the subjects are illustrated.