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SummaryObjectives: Estimate the prevalence of hypertension and some cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population of a major city in Brazil.Methods: Descriptive, observational, transversal population-based study substantiated by the home survey of a simple random sample (>18 years old). Standardized questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic information, measurements of blood pressure (2 measurements), weight, height, and abdominal circumference (AC). Microsoft Access and Epi Info 6 were used for data storage and analysis, respectively. The last blood pressure reading was used (hypertension: BP≥140x90mmHg).Results: The study evaluated 1,739 individuals (87% of the estimated sample). There was a predominance of females (65.4%) and mean age was 39.7 years (±15.6); arterial hypertension prevalence was 36.4%, higher for the male population (41.8%) when compared to females (31.8%). Correlation between Hypertension and Body Mass Index was positive, as well as with AC and age. The female gender and higher income were protective factors against hypertension. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 30.0% and 13.6%, respectively; overweight was higher among females and obesity among males. The prevalence of smoking was 20.1%, more frequent among males (27.1%), when compared to females (16.4%). A sedentary lifestyle was observed in 62.3% of the population, with no difference between the genders. Regular alcohol consumption was reported by 44.4% of the individuals, being more frequent in males.Conclusion: Hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors (particularly overweight/obesity) indicators are high, reinforcing the need for objective nationwide measures to fight this disease, in order to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.

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The results suggest that both overall obesity (BMI) and central obesity (WC and WHtR) anthropometric indicators can be used in this population to evaluate the risk of developing hypertension.

BackgroundStudies have shown sodium restriction to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of light salt substitution for regular salt on BP of hypertensive patients.MethodsUncontrolled hypertensive patients of both sexes, 20 to 65 years-old, on stable doses of antihypertensive drugs were randomized into Intervention Group (IG - receiving light salt) and Control Group (CG - receiving regular salt). Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were analyzed by using casual BP measurements and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM), and sodium and potassium excretion was assessed on 24-hour urine samples. The patients received 3 g of salt for daily consumption for 4 weeks.ResultsThe study evaluated 35 patients (65.7% women), 19 allocated to the IG and 16 to the CG. The mean age was 55.5 ± 7.4 years. Most participants had completed the Brazilian middle school (up to the 8th grade; n = 28; 80.0%), had a family income of up to US$ 600 (n = 17; 48.6%) and practiced regular physical activity (n = 19; 54.3%). Two patients (5.7%) were smokers and 40.0% consumed alcohol regularly (n = 14). The IG showed a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP on the casual measurements and HBPM (p < 0.05) and in sodium excretion (p = 0.016). The CG showed a significant reduction only in casual SBP (p = 0.032).ConclusionsThe light salt substitution for regular salt significantly reduced BP of hypertensive patients.

Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) is a health problem that affects a large number of undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypertensive individuals and presents a high rate of treatment nonadherence.

SummaryBackground: Arterial Hypertension (AH) is a mass disease, with consequences for the cardiocirculatory system, since its complications raise the rates of morbidity and mortality. Controlling blood pressure (BP) reduces complications and may preserve the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Studies show positive effects of music therapy as an adjuvant in the treatment of several diseases.

ABSTRACT:Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of overweight in adolescents and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study in public and private schools in Goiania, Brazil. Socioeconomic status, family history of obesity, lifestyle, blood pressure and Body Mass Index were studied in a sample of 1,169 Brazilian youth aged 12 -18 years, who attended public and private schools. Data were obtained from a questionnaire and anthropometric measurements previously tested in a pilot study. Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence of overweight, prevalence ratios and associations with the other factors. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 21.2%, with a significant difference between boys and girls (26.3 and 16.8% respectively). Regression analysis showed that maternal obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight in boys (PR = 1.86; p = 0.004), and boys aged 15 -18 years had a lower prevalence of overweight than boys aged 12 -14 years (PR = 0.70; p = 0.021). Among the girls, the presence of obese parents was associated with higher prevalence of overweight (PR = 2.42; p < 0.001), and the girls from a C class socioeconomic position were negatively associated with overweight (PR = 0.67; p = 0.035). Conclusions: Overweight in adolescence is associated with gender, obesity family history, and socioeconomic position. These data should be considered when planning intervention programs.