Factors influencing blood pressure classification for adults: Gender differences

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Hypertension is a prevalent global health issue with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Blood pressure (BP) classification criteria for adults have evolved, necessitating updated understanding of influencing factors.
• Gender-specific differences in health behaviors and physiological factors may impact BP classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and identify distinct factors associated with blood pressure (BP) classification in adult men and women.
• To provide a gender-specific analysis of risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014).
• Employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design with 1555 adult participants (589 men, 966 women).
• Collected data on demographic, health-related, and lifestyle factors to analyze BP classification.

Main Results:

• In men, prehypertension was linked to higher body mass index (BMI), problem drinking, and reduced sleep. Hypertension in men was associated with increased age, poor subjective health, higher BMI, diabetes, problem drinking, smoking, and sodium intake.
• In women, prehypertension was associated with higher age and BMI. Hypertension in women was linked to increased age, poor subjective health, higher BMI, menopause, and diabetes.
• Significant gender-based variations were observed in the factors contributing to prehypertension and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Prevention and intervention strategies for hypertension and prehypertension in adults require a gender-differentiated approach.
• Tailoring public health initiatives based on identified gender-specific risk factors can enhance BP management.
• Further research into gender-specific mechanisms underlying hypertension is warranted.