Relation between overweight, diabetes, stress and hypertension: a case-control study in Yarumal--Antioquia, Colombia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the association between overweight, diabetes, stress and other postulated risk factors for a high blood pressure, on the risk of hypertension.


RESULTS
This matched case-control study included 228 cases randomly selected in a rural adult population in Yarumal--Antioquia, Colombia. For every case, one control, individually matched by age (+/- 5 years), sex and residence, was selected from the general population. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR). Obese people (body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m2) showed an increased OR of hypertension compared to those with a BMI < 25 kg/m2, OR: 3.83 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.83-8.00]. A high level of psychological stress was associated with hypertension (measured on a tension-anxiety scale), OR: 5.02 (95% CI: 2.25-11.19). A positive association was also observed for diabetes although it was of borderline significance, OR: 2.58 (95% CI: 0.88-7.55). Having a family member with hypertension or myocardial infarction was related to a higher risk of hypertension (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence that BMI, stress (feelings of anxiety or tension), and diabetes are independently associated with an increased risk of hypertension in a rural area of Colombia.
Perez
L H
LH
Hospital Regional de Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia.
Gutierrez
L A
LA
Vioque
J
J
Torres
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology