Isolated systolic hypertension and physical activity / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

ABSTRACT

IntroductionIsolated systolic hypertension (ISH) has been found to increase the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease significantly among both middle-aged and elderly men and women. ISH is a higher risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than isolated diastolic hypertension. Because of this it is important to determine the prevalence of ISH and its associated risk factors in order to reduce CVD mortality and morbidity in Mongolia.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the physical activity of people with ISH to it of people with normal blood pressure (BP).Мaterials and MethodsWe examined the physical activity using the data of “Mongolian STEPS Survey on the Prevalence of Noncommunicable Disease and Injury Risk Factors-2009”. ISH was defined as systolic BP≥140 mmHg and diastolic BP<90 mmHg. The Control (normotensive) group comprised subjects whose systolic BP<140 mmHg and diastolic BP<90 mmHg. Using to approach of WHO “STEPS” Survey, physical activity was assessed on intensity, duration and frequency of physical activity at work, in recreational settings and during transportation using complex set of 16 questions.ResultsAccording to the survey results, 74% of people who had normal BP and 48.7% of people with ISH engaged in moderate levels of physical activity in recreational settings daily a week. It was statistically difference in two groups. Males with ISH were more likely to engage in high levels of physical activity at work and in recreational settings compared to females. In terms of age differences, moderate and high levels of physical activity at work decreased steadily with age. Mean duration and frequency of physical activity a week weren”t difference in two groups.ConclusionFrequency of physical activity decreased with age in respondents with Isolated systolic hypertension. Males engaged more in high levels of physical activity at work and in recreational settings more than females. Moderate levels of physical activity in recreational settings was lower in respondents with ISH compared to respondents who had normal blood pressure (p<0.05).