[Cardiorespiratory fitness in Chilean cancer patients: A comparative Analysis]. / Asociación entre cáncer y fitness cardiorrespiratorio en población chilena: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are protective factors in cancer development. However, the CRF in the Chilean population diagnosed with cancer is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association that the CRF had between people with and without a cancer diagnosis and, secondarily, to compare the trend of the CRF according to years of cancer diagnosis in the Chilean population. METHODS: Data from 5,483 people from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey between 15 and 98 years old were analyzed. Cancer diagnosis (all available) was determined with standardized questions, and CRF was calculated with an abbreviated method (demographics, anthropometry, lifestyles). Linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables was performed with the complex sample analysis module of the STATA v.16 program (95% CI, p < 0.05). RESULTS: People with some cancer diagnosis versus those without cancer had a lower FCR level (ft: -1.23 [95% CI: -1.52; -0.94]). When comparing CRF levels according to cancer type, similar results were observed for colorectal, breast, and uterine cancer (p < 0.001) but not for thyroid cancer (p = 0.253). There was lower CRF from the first year of diagnosis of all types of cancer to over ten years, although not significant (p = 0.109). CONCLUSIONS: Those diagnosed with cancer presented lower CRF compared to those not diagnosed. In addition, in people with cancer, the CRF decreased with increasing years since the first diagnosis. It would be essential to evaluate and increase CRF in cancer patients.

[Association between physical activity and income levels in chilean adults]. / Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente según ingreso económico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. AIM: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.

[Association of physical inactivity with low levels of education]. / Nivel educativo y su asociación con niveles de actividad física en Chile.

BACKGROUND: A higher educational level is associated with healthier lifestyles. AIM: To assess the association between the level of compliance with physical activity recommendations and years of formal education in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis include 6,174 participants from the National Health Survey 2016-2017. Physical activity levels were assessed through the Global Physical Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Physical inactivity was defined as < 600 MET/minute/week. RESULTS: Among subjects without education, 44% and 27% of women and men respectively, were physically inactive. Among women and men with the highest number of years of education (> 16) the figures for physical inactivity were 27% and 15% respectively. The odds for not meeting the physical activity recommendations was 2.3 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.57; 3.38] and 3.9 [95% CI: 2.27; 6.95] in women and men without any formal education respectively, as compared with those who reported 12 years of education. Women and men who reported a high level of education ≥ (16 years) did not show significant differences compared to the reference group. CONCLUSIONS: People with low levels of education are were likely to be physically inactive.

[Sociodemographic Patterning of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Derived by Equation in the Chilean Population: Findings from the Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017]. / Fitness cardiorrespiratorio estimado mediante ecuación y su caracterización sociodemográfica en población chilena: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies. AIM: To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency). RESULTS: Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.

Sociodemographic patterns of urine sodium excretion and its association with hypertension in Chile: a cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the main factors (sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and health status) associated with high Na excretion in a representative population of Chile. DESIGN: Na excretion (g/d), a valid marker of Na intake, was determined by urine analysis and Tanaka's formulas. Blood pressure was measured by trained staff and derived from the mean of three readings recorded after 15 min rest. The associations of Na excretion with blood pressure and the primary correlates of high Na excretion were determined using logistic regression. SETTING: Chileans aged ≥15 years.ParticipantsParticipants (n 2913) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. RESULTS: Individuals aged 25 years or over, those who were obese and those who had hypertension, diabetes or metabolic syndrome were more likely to have higher Na excretion. The odds for hypertension increased by 10·2 % per 0·4 g/d increment in Na excretion (OR=1·10; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·14; P < 0·0001). These findings were independent of major confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, adiposity, sitting behaviours and existing co-morbidities such as diabetes were associated with higher Na excretion levels in the Chilean population. These findings could help policy makers to implement public health strategies tailored towards individuals who are more likely to consume high levels of dietary salt.

Association of leisure time and occupational physical activity with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chile.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), both occupational (OPA) and during leisure time (LTPA), with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults. 5,157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. OPA and LTPA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association between both PA with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors was determined using logistic regression. Our findings showed a significant trend between higher LTPA and lower odds for obesity (OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.53; 0.76], central obesity 0.52 [0.44; 0.61]) and other cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes (OR: 0.72 [0.55; 0.94]), hypertension (OR: 0.59 [0.50; 0.71]) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.62 [0.50; 0.78]). In contrast, OPA was only associated with lower odds of diabetes (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.98]) and hypertension (0.85 [0.74; 0.98]). In conclusion, LTPA was associated with a lower risk of all major cardiovascular risk factors, whereas OPA was only associated with a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension.

[Relationship between levels of physical activity and sedentarism with metabolic syndrome. ENS Chile 2009-2010.] / Relación entre niveles de actividad física y sedentarismo con síndrome metabólico. ENS Chile 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVE: .To use a new methodology to classify the level of physical activity (PA) by combining the levels of PA and sedentary time (SED) in order to establish its association with metabolic syndrome (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A representative sample of Chilean adults (≥18 years old) who participated in the National Health Survey (ENS 2009-2010) was included in this study (n=5 040). Four categories were created using a combination of PA and SED levels through the GPAQ questionnaire. MS was defined accord- ing to the norms established by NCEP ATP-III. RESULTS: A lower probability of MS was observed only in the categories that comply with the international recommendations of PA, "active and low-SED" (OR=0.72 [0.57 to 0.91]) and "active and high-SED" (OR=0.63 [0.49 to 0.81]).While the level of SED (high/low) was not associated with a significant reduction of MS in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This type of classification demonstrates that the main strategy to reduce the risk of MS should be associated with compliance with the recommendations of PA.

OBJETIVO: Asociar una nueva e integradora clasificación de actividad física (AF) y sedentarismo con riesgo de síndrome metabólico (SM) en una muestra representativa de adultos chilenos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 5 040 parti- cipantes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2009-2010. Fueron creadas cuatro categorías mediante una combinación entre niveles deAF y sedentarismo (SED) usando el cuestio- nario GPAQ. El SM fue definido según las normas del NCEP ATP-III. RESULTADOS: Se observa una menor probabilidad de presentar SM sólo en las categorías que cumplen con las recomendaciones internacionales de AF (p<0.05), "activo y bajo-SED" (RM=0.72 [0.57 a 0.91]) y "activo y alto-SED" (RM=0.63 [0.49 a 0.81]). El nivel de sedentarismo (alto/bajo) no se asoció con una reducción significativa de SM en ninguno de los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Este tipo de clasificación demuestra que la principal estrategia para reducir elriesgo de SM debiera estar asociada con cumplir las recomendaciones de AF.

[Factors associated with cognitive impairment in older adults in Chile]. / Factores asociados al deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores en Chile.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for the development of cognitive impairment are not well known. AIM: To identify socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors associated with cognitive impairment in older Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data analysis of 1,384 participants ≥ 60 years who participated in the National Health Survey of Chile 2009-2010. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related factors were used as exposure variables of interest. Cognitive impairment was assessed using an abbreviated version of the Mini Mental test and defined as a score < 13 points of a maximum of 19. A logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: In this sample, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 11.6 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 8.8; 15.2]. The factors associated with cognitive impairment were age (Odds ratio (OR) for > 76 years: 4.89, p < 0.01), male sex (OR: 2.42, p = 0.02), lower education (OR: 21.6, p < 0.01), physical inactivity (OR: 2.07, p = 0.02), sedentary behavior (OR: 2.23, p = 0.01), sleeping > 9/hours/day (OR: 2.98, p = 0.01), consumption of < 5 portions/day of fruit and vegetables (OR: 2.02, p = 0.05), having an unhealthy lifestyle (OR: 6.10, p = 0.0001), being underweight (OR: 3.67, p < 0.01), obesity (OR: 3.32, p = 0.03), having hearing impairment (OR: 2.26, p = 0.02), having a visual impairment (OR: 3.89, p < 0.01), a history of depression (OR: 3.03, p = 0.01) and having a physical disability (OR: 5.63, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 14 factors associated with cognitive impairment. Although some of these factors were non-modifiable such as age and sex, most of them could be modified by implementing prevention programs aiming to improve lifestyle behaviors in older adults in Chile.

[Factors associated with falls in older adults in chile. Analysis of the National Health Survey 2009-2010]. / Factores asociados a caídas en adultos mayores chilenos: evidencia de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: A decrease in functional capacity due to ageing is one of the main risk factors for falls in older people. AIM: To investigate factors associated with falls in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the self-reports of falls of 1,334 people aged ≥ 60 years who answered the National Health Survey 2009-2010. Falls during the last 12 months were recorded. Lifestyle, socio-demographic and health status were analyzed. A Poisson regression with robust variance estimates was performed to identify factors associated with falls. RESULTS: Falls during the preceding year were reported by 37% of respondents (95% confidence intervals (CI): 32-42]. Fall frequency was higher in women (Prevalence ratio (PR):1.30 [95% CI:1.11; 1.53], p < 0.01) and those aged ≥ 75 years (PR:1.29 [95% CI:1.04; 1.61], p = 0.02). Hearing impairment (PR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.07; 1.61], p < 0.01), impaired vision (PR:1.46 [95% CI:1.20; 1.77], p < 0.01), low self-reported wellbeing (PR: 1.41 [95% CI: 1.03; 1.94], p = 0.03) and disability (PR: 1.54 [95% CI:1.32; 1.79], p < 0.01) were associated with falls. However, multimorbidity (having ≥ 3 diseases) was negatively associated with falls (PR: 0.79 [95% CI: 0.63; 0.99], p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among older people, female sex, being aged > 75 years and having disability, hearing or vision impairment are risk factors for falls.

[Association between sleep duration and cognitive impairment in older people]. / ¿Cuál es la asociación entre el tiempo destinado a dormir y el desarrollo de deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores chilenos?

Background Sleep duration may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Aim To investigate the association between sleep duration and cognitive function in Chilean older adults. Material and Methods We analyzed information from 1,384 participants aged > 60 years participating in the National Health Survey 2009-2010 who were assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and self-reported their average daily sleep hours. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between MMSE and sleep duration. Results Compared to those participants who reported sleeping 7 hours per day, those that reported sleeping < 5 hours had a higher odd for cognitive impairment (Odds ratio (OR): 3.66 [95% confidence intervals (CI: 1.69; 7.95], p < 0.01). Similarly, those who reported sleeping > 8 hours per day also showed a higher odd for cognitive impairment (OR: 2.56 [95% CI: 1.32; 4.95], p < 0.01). This association was even stronger for people who reported more than 10 hours of sleep per day (OR: 4.46 [95% CI: 1.32; 4.95], p < 0.01). Conclusions Long and short sleep duration is associated with cognitive impairment in older adults in Chile independent of major confounding factors.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviours are associated with cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults]. / Actividad física y tiempo sedente se asocian a sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en población adulta mayor chilena.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors could promote healthy ageing. AIM: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior and cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 1,390 participants from the National Health Survey (2009-2010). The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to diagnose cognitive impairment. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Logistic regression was performed to investigate the associations. RESULTS: Compared with older adults with lower levels of PA (< 48 min/day), those with middle (48-248 min/day) and higher (>248 min/day) levels of PA had lower odds for cognitive impairment (Odds ratio (OR): 0.57 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.33; 0.82], p < 0.01 and 0.58 [95% CI: 0.32; 0.83], p < 0.01, respectively). Participants who reported spending more than 8 hours/day sitting had a high odds for cognitive impairment compared to those who spent < 4 hours/day (OR: 3.70 [95% CI: 1.37; 6.03], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both PA and sedentary behavior were independently associated with cognitive decline independent of major confounding factors in Chilean older adults.

Joint effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults.

Background: To investigate the associations between combined categories of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with markers of adiposity and cardiovascular risk in adults. Methods: Overall, 5040 participants (mean age 46.4 years and 59.3% women) from the cross-sectional Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010 were included in this study. MVPA and SB were measured using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire. Four categories were computed using MVPA- and SB-specific cut-offs ('High-SB & Active', 'Low-SB & Active', 'High-SB & Inactive' and 'Low-SB & Inactive'). Results: Compared to the reference group ('High-SB & Inactive'), those in 'High-SB & Active' and 'Low-SB & Active' were less likely to have an obese BMI (OR: 0.67 [0.54; 0.85], P = 0.0001 and 0.74 [0.59; 0.92] P = 0.0007, respectively) and less likely to have metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.63 [0.49; 0.82], P < 0.0001 and 0.72 [0.57; 0.91], P = 0.007), central obesity (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.96], P = 0.016 and 0.71 [0.59; 0.84], P < 0.0001), diabetes (OR: 0.45 [0.35; 0.59], P < 0.0001 and 0.44 [0.34; 0.56], P < 0.0001) and hypertension (OR: 0.52 [0.43; 0.63], P < 0.0001 and 0.60 [0.50; 0.72], P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: Being physically active and spending less time in SBs was associated with lower adiposity and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors.

Active commuting is associated with a lower risk of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Chilean adults.

Background: There is limited evidence on how active commuting is associated with health benefits in developing countries. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the associations between active commuting and markers of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in the Chilean adult population. Methods: In total, 5157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-10 were included in this cross-sectional study. Active commuting was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured and used to define obesity and central obesity. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome were determined using WHO and updated ATPIII-NCEP criteria, respectively. Results: The main finding of this study is that a 30 min increase in active commuting is associated with lower odds for BMI > 25.0 kg m-2 (0.93 [95% CI: 0.88-0.98, P = 0.010]). Similarly, the odds for central obesity was 0.87 [0.82-0.92, P < 0.0001]. Similar associations were found for T2D (0.81 [0.75-0.88], P < 0.0001) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.86 [0.80-0.92], P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings show that active commuting is associated with lower adiposity and a healthier metabolic profile including lower risk for obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Higher levels of self-reported sitting time is associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes independent of physical activity in Chile.

Background: Sitting behaviours have increased markedly during the last two decades in Chile. However, their associations with health outcomes such as diabetes have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the independent association of self-reported sitting time with diabetes-related markers and diabetes prevalence in Chile. Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants (aged ≥18 years) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-10 (n = 4457). Fasting glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured by standardized protocols. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) was determined using WHO criteria. Physical activity (PA) and time spent sitting were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: The odds ratio for T2D was 1.10 [95% CI: 1.04-1.16, P = 0.002] and 1.08 [1.02-1.14, P = 0.002] per 1 h increase in sitting time in men and women, respectively, independent of age, education, smoking, BMI and total PA. Overall, prevalence of T2D was 10.2 and 17.2% in individuals classified in the lowest and highest categories of sitting time, respectively. No significant associations were found between sitting time and glucose or HbA1c. Conclusions: Sitting time is positively associated with diabetes risk, independent of socio-demographic, obesity and PA levels, in the Chilean population.

[Risk of cognitive impairment among older people with diabetes or family history of the disease]. / Asociación entre diabetes mellitus tipo 2, historia familiar de diabetes y deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores chilenos.

BACKGROUND: Although cardiovascular risk factors are associated with an impaired cognitive function, the impact of diabetes on cognitive function in Chilean adults is unknown. AIM: To investigate the association of diabetes or family history of the disease with cognitive impairment in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the 2009-2010 Chilean National Health Survey including 1,384 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in this study. A score below 13 points for the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was considered an indication of cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between MMSE, diabetes and family history of the disease. RESULTS: Cognitive impairment increased with age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.83 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.53; 2.19], p < 0.01, per 5 years increment in age). This trend was greater in individuals with diabetes (OR: 2.37 [95% CI: 1.68; 3.35], p < 0.01) compared to those without the disease. A similar trend was identified among individuals with a family history of diabetes compared to those without. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with diabetes are more susceptible to develop cognitive impairment.

[Association between FTO (ns9939609) genotype and adiposity markers in Chilean adults]. / Asociación entre el polimorfismo rs9939609 del gen FTO y marcadores de adiposidad en población adulta chilena.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have identified the role of Fat-mass-associated-gene (FTO) in the development of obesity. AIM: To investigate the association of FTO gene with adiposity markers in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 409 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The association between FTO (rs9939609) genotype and adiposity markers was determined using linear regression analyses. Adiposity markers included were: body weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio. RESULTS: A fully adjusted model showed a significant association between FTO genotype and body weight (2.16 kg per each extra copy of the risk allele [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.45 to 3.87], p = 0.014), body mass index (0.61 kg.m-2 [95% CI: 0.12 to 1.20], p = 0.050) and fat mass (1.14% [95% CI: 0.39 to 1.89], p = 0.010). The greater magnitude of association was found between the FTO gene and fat mass when the outcomes were standardized to z-score. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms an association between the FTO gene and adiposity markers in Chilean adults, which is independent of major confounding factors.

[Association of physical inactivity with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the chilean population]. / No cumplir con las recomendaciones de actividad física se asocia a mayores niveles de obesidad, diabetes, hipertensión y síndrome metabólico en población chilena.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. AIM: To investigate the association of physical inactivity with obesity, metabolic markers, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants from the National Health Survey 2009-10 (n = 5,157) were included in this study. Body mass index, waist circumference, metabolic markers (blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile) were the outcomes. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were determined using international criteria. Physical activity levels were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and physical inactivity was defined as < 600 METs/minutes/week. RESULTS: Compared to their physically active peers, inactive men and women had a higher odds ratio (OR) for obesity (OR: 1.77 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.29-2.42], p < 0.01 and 1.25 [95% CI: 102-1.54], p < 0.035, respectively), diabetes (OR: 2.47 [1.80-3.38], p < 0.01 and 1.72 [1.35-2.19], p = 0.002, respectively) and hypertension (OR: 1.66 [1.31-2.09], p < 0.01 and 1.83 [1.54-2.18] respectively. An association of physical inactivity with central obesity and metabolic syndrome was observed only in men (OR: 1.92 [1.42- 2.58], p < 0.01 and 1.74 [1.23-2.47], p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Not meeting the physical activity recommendations is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome, which are important cardiovascular risk factors.

[Risk factors associated with hypertension. Analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean health survey]. / Factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de hipertensión arterial en Chile.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, affecting 27% of the Chilean population in 2010. AIM: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the database of the 2009-2010 National Health Survey in which 4,901 participants were included. Socio-demographic factors, physical activity, eating habits, well-being and comorbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: Women had a lower risk of developing hypertension than men (Odds ratio (OR): 0.69, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.59-0.81, p < 0.01). In both men and women, the risk is greater over the age of 25 years (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.55-5.43, p < 0.01). The risk is greater in subjects who were overweight (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.31-1.98, p < 0.01), obese (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 2.56-3.95, p < 0.01), or had central obesity (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.85-2.72, p < 0.01). Subjects with a family history of hypertension and diabetes also have a higher risk. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the risk factors associated with hypertension allows public health policies to be tailored to its prevention.