Hypertension in Alaska Natives: association with overweight, glucose intolerance, diet and mechanized activity.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the prevalence of hypertension in Alaska Natives and evaluate risk factors.


METHODS
Population-based univariate and multivariate analysis of blood pressure in 1124 Alaska Natives over 20 years of age.


RESULTS
The sample had mean: age 45 years, body mass index 27, systolic pressure 123 mmHg and diastolic pressure 73 mmHg. The age-adjusted rate of hypertension > or = 160/95 mmHg was 9.1% and 6.8% among Athabascan Indians and Yup'ik Eskimos, respectively. After controlling for age and sex there was significantly more hypertension among Athabascan Indians (OR = 1.53, CI = 1.07-2.2, p = 0.019) compared to Yup'ik Eskimos. Race was significantly associated with blood pressure > or = 140/90 when controlled for age and overweight (p = 0.01, OR = 0.78, CI = 0.69-0.95). The presence of hypertension was significantly associated with the following: intake of non-indigenous food (p = 0.01); mechanized activities (p = 0.01); and glucose intolerance in both women (p = 0.043) and men (p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed age (OR = 1.06, CI = 1.05-1.08) and overweight in both men (OR = 3.02, CI = 1.85-4.93) and women (OR = 2.76, CI = 1.81-4.19) to be significantly associated with BP > or = 140/90.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension is no longer rare in Alaska Natives and is associated with overweight, non-indigenous diet, mechanized activities, and glucose intolerance.
Murphy
N J
NJ
Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage 99508, USA.
Schraer
C D
CD
Theile
M C
MC
Boyko
E J
EJ
Bulkow
L R
LR
Doty
B J
BJ
Lanier
A P
AP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000413:Alaska; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D015994:Incidence; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004930:Inuit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors