Blood pressure variation among Tibetans at different altitudes.

Background: Age-related increase in blood pressure (BP) throughout adulthood have been commonly observed in industrialized and developing populations which is generally not observed in traditional populations. Based on studies in the Andes, Tien Shan, Pamir and US highlands, BP values are generally lower in high- than low-altitude populations. At present, Tibetans are residing at different altitudes in India and little is known about BP variation for this population.Aims: This study reports BP variation among Tibetans in India in view of the hypothesis of age-related increase and of lower BP at high altitude.Subjects and methods: BP, height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness (SFT), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and haemoglobin and haematocrit level were obtained from 1091 individuals (508 males, 583 females) at four different settlements, one being at high altitude (Choglamsar, Leh; altitude: 3521 m) and three at low altitudes (Bylakuppe, Chandragiri and Delhi; altitude: less than 1000 m), which we...