Blood pressure changes with age in two ethnic groups in Fiji

Blood pressure was studied in urban and rural samples of the Melanesian and Indian populations of Fiji during a National Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Survey in 1980. Mean blood pressures rose with age and tended to be higher in urban than in rural populations, particularly in the middle age range. There was no clear or significant difference between the ethnic groups. When the prevalence of hypertension was studied (using WHO criteria) similar age, geographic and ethnic differences were found. Comparisons with data from 1960 revealed no significant change in mean blood pressures during the 20-year interval. Rural populations were leaner and appeared to consume less salt than did urban groups. There were positive and significant correlations between blood pressure and triceps skinfold thickness in most subgroups.