Factors associated with arterial hypertension in rural populations

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is recognized as a serious Public Health issue and its frequency is associated with several risk factors. This study intended to identify the links between overweight, hyperinsulinemia and arterial hypertension. An epidemiological and cross-sectional study was carried out in Virgem das Graças and Caju, two rural communities located the Jequitinhonha Valley. The sample comprised of 567 male and female adults aged between 18 and 94 years old. Data collection considered demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic variables. Multivariate analysis was performed to exam the relationship between the independent variables and hypertension. Age, triglycerides level, waist circumference, hyperinsulinemia and gender were independently associated with arterial hypertension. The results provide significant evidence to arterial hypertension being a Public Health problem in the rural population studied.