Fatores associados à hipertensão arterial sistêmica em Nobres-MT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated to systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) in Nobres -MT, Brazil. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Nobres-MT, from January to March, 2006; 1003 individuals aged more than 18 years, resident in the urban region were analyzed. Data was obtained through household questionnaires. Measurements of weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressures (BP) were taken. The second of three BP measurements was used in the analysis; SAH was defined as BP > 140/90 mmHg. The Poisson regression method was used for controlling confounding factors, with adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) estimates and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: 1003 individuals were evaluated (51.3% male). SAH prevalence was 30.1%, and it was higher among women than men (30.1% vs. 20.9%). Adjusted analysis confirmed independent association between SAH, aging and body mass index equal or over 25 Kg/m2. CONCLUSION: We reaffirm the need of actions both at population and individual levels targeting weight control, especially for people over 30 years of age, which could significantly reflect on SAH control.