Cardiovascular and total mortality in men and women with different blood pressure levels -A 26year followup

Abstract

Aim. Our aim was to study different levels of high blood pressure and normal blood pressure reference to calculate the hazard ratios HRs for cardiovascular and total mortality in men and women with adjustments for many covariates. Methods. A healthscreening program was offered to a populationbased sample in Stockholm County to estimate healthcare needs a proxy for comorbidity. Blood pressure measurements mmHg systolic/diastolic were available for 2280 participants (74%). Mortality was followed up for 26 years. Results. HRs with confidence intervals CI were calculated. The HR for allcause mortality in those with very high blood pressure, ≥160and/or 95, was 1.93 (1.382.70) in men and 2.29 (1.423.69) in women. High blood pressure (≥ 140 and/or 90 but <160 and 95cmHg) and prehypertension (≥ 130 and/or 85 but <140 and 90) were significant in women but not in men. Diagnosed hypertension with antihypertensive treatment adjusted for blood pressure level was nonsignificant in all models. Conclusion. Very high blood pressure was an independent risk factor for both total and cardiovascular mortality in both men and women after adjustments for all covariates including healthcare need. Hypertension seems just as important to treat in individuals with comorbidities.