The Prevalence of High Blood Pressure among Marathon Runners during Beirut-Marathon 2014

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk factors among marathon runners during Beirut-Marathon 2014. Methods: A total of 325 marathon runners were divided into 42 km and 10 km groups. They were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors by measuring their BP and answering a questionnaire. The questionnaire composed of 22 questions related to demographic information, risk factors, medical history, family history, medical checkups, use of antihypertensive drugs and definition of hyponatremia. Results: There were 30 runners in the 42 km group and 295 in the 10 km group interviewed. The majority of 42 km runners were males 29 (96.7%) vs. 205 (69.5%) in the 10 km group, (P = 0.001). The 42 km group was older than 10 km group (47 ± 13.8 years vs. 38.5 ± 14.6 years; P = 0.0025). The prevalence of hypertension was 46.7% in the 42 km group as compared to 31.2% in the 10 km group (P = 0.08). Systolic BP (SBP) was higher in 42 km group vs. 10 km group (143 ± 22.4 mm Hg vs. 129.9 ± 17.8 mm Hg; P = 0.0004). The heart rate was lower among 42 km vs. 10 km group (71 ± 11.1 bpm vs. 84 ± 16 bpm; P < 0.0001). Only 10% of the runners in both groups reported that they have hypertension (HTN). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of HTN among marathon runners but minorities were aware that they have hypertension. The 42 km runners tend to be older with higher systolic blood pressure as compared to the 10 km runners.

An exploratory randomised controlled trial evaluating text prompts in Lebanon to encourage health‐seeking behaviour for hypertension

“…[6][7][8] At the 2014 Beirut International Marathon it was found that almost one-third of runners were not aware that they had elevated blood pressure and the mobile screening made them aware. 9 Behavioural techniques, sometimes referred to as nudges, can be used to increase people's attendance at scheduled health screenings, for example, by sending letters or text messages with tailored messages. 10,11 Yet, simply increasing people's awareness of their health and access to care cannot increase public health if people informed of their poor health fail to take appropriate action.…”

“…For example, a positioning screening at a sporting event is one way to make screenings more convenient and can increase awareness of poor health conditions 6‐8 . At the 2014 Beirut International Marathon it was found that almost one‐third of runners were not aware that they had elevated blood pressure and the mobile screening made them aware 9 …”