Prevalence of hypertension in a Mexican population according to the Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.
BACKGROUND
Hypertension in Mexico represents a challenging public health problem. The National Survey on Chronic Diseases published in 1993 reported that hypertension affects more than 10 million Mexicans. No information has been published regarding the prevalence of hypertension in Mexico using the new diagnostic criteria established by the Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI).


METHODS
The Mexico City Diabetes Study is a prospective study designed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular risk factors in a low-income area. The survey included 941 men and 1341 non-pregnant women aged 35-64 years. Blood pressure measurements were performed using a random zero sphygmomanometer. The diagnostic criteria for hypertension were those recommended by the JNC VI.


RESULTS
The crude prevalence of hypertension was 17.2% and 18.1% in men and women, respectively. We found significant associations between hypertension and obesity, body fat distribution, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting and 2-h post-glucose in both sexes, and between hypertension and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides levels in women. In 40% of hypertensive men and 23% of women, hypertension was undiagnosed and untreated. Of the previously diagnosed hypertensive individuals, 38% of men and 30% of women reported not taking antihypertensive medicine. The prevalence++ of associated risk factors in this population is 12.3% for tobacco consumption, 22.4% for diabetes, 49.8% for hypertriglyceridemia and 40.9% for hypercholesterolemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension occurs in 18% of this population. There is a high prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated cases. Associated cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent.
González-Villalpando
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Centro de Estudios en Diabetes, American British Cowdray Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico. cgonzala@buzon.main.conacyt.mx
Stern
M P
MP
Haffner
S M
SM
González Villapando
M E
ME
Gaskill
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S
Rivera Martínez
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D
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012923:Social Class