Are blood pressure levels increasing in Denmark?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular epidemiology
• Population health studies
• Hypertension research

Background:

• The Copenhagen City Heart Study is a long-term prospective population study.
• It aims to understand the incidence and risk factors of cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in blood pressure over time in a large population sample.
• To identify factors associated with increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• To evaluate the role of lifestyle and medication in blood pressure changes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study design involving two surveys (1976-1978 and 1981-1983).
• Approximately 20,000 participants randomly selected from the Copenhagen population.
• Blood pressure measurements and data on antihypertensive medication use collected.
• Multiple linear regression analysis used to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in individuals over 40 not using antihypertensive medication.
• Increased body mass index and alcohol consumption positively correlated with blood pressure increases.
• Antihypertensive medication use, higher baseline body mass index, and higher education level were negatively correlated with blood pressure changes.
• Female sex and advanced age were negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure changes.

Conclusions:

• Blood pressure tends to increase with age in adults not on medication.
• Lifestyle factors such as body mass index and alcohol consumption play a significant role in blood pressure changes.
• Higher education and antihypertensive medication use appear to have a protective effect against blood pressure increases.