title: [Analysis of arterial hypertension and work in the epidemiologic study "Aging, Health and Work"].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated if work conditions or job strain related to professional activity or to life styles represent a risk factor for arterial hypertension and whether this effect of hypertension is independent of age.
  
  
  METHODS
  through data collection of epidemiological inquiries ESTEV and VISAT, applied in Italy on a cohort of workers, 32-52 year-old, employed in different productive sectors, we analyzed the relationships on working conditions (exposure to certain risks or job strain), life styles and self evaluation of health and arterial hypertension. Hypertension was considered as SAP > or =160 mm/Hg and/or DAP > or =90 mm/Hg, or current antihypertensive treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  the results refer to 1104 workers, 76% men and 24% women. Prevalence of hypertension was found to be higher among the men than women (33% vs. 22%). Risk estimation in multivariate analysis, by logistic regression model, showed a statistically significant association with certain work-related factors such as: shift work, awkward posture, standing work, doing several tasks contemporarily, being interrupted at work, not being able to take eyes off work. The variables referred to cognitive aspects and work organization tended to be associated to arterial hypertension even when exposure ceased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  both physical and cognitive organisational aspects of work are strongly associated with arterial hypertension. The subjective assessment that workers give to their work is a relevant element. This aspects should be considered as a possible reducible risk factor.
authors.affiliation: Centro epidemiologico, INRCA Ancona. n.barbini@inrca.it
authors.forename: Norma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Barbini
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gorini
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ferrucci
authors.forename: Annibale
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biggeri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014937:Work; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D016526:Workload