Hypertension and economic activities in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

A study of the prevalence of hypertension was undertaken among workers in 10 subsectors of the economy in Sao Paulo, a major urban-industrial area of Brazil. Included in the study were 5500 subjects 15-65 years of age, employed in 57 randomly selected firms. Hypertension rates (DBP ≥ 90 mm Hg) were higher among males up to 44 years of age. There was a decreasing gradient from mild to moderate and severe forms in all groups. Severity tended to increase with age in all groups. Black males showed higher rates than whites (29.2% vs 16.7%, p < 0.05), the excess being partially accounted for by moderate and severe forms (40% vs 20%). Subjects who overworked showed a trend toward higher hypertension rates. Higher rates in four subsectors (metallurgy, finance, transport, and journalism), aside from the distribution of known risk factors and job selection, may reflect a variety of work-related stressors. © 1981 American Heart Association, Inc.