Background:

Hypertension is the main risk factor in terms of attributable mortality and the most common modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in population more than fifteen years of Valencia region and describe the strength of association between specific factors and the presence of hypertension.

Methods:

Cross-sectional population-based study in 413 men and 415 women between 16 and 90 years participants in Nutrition Survey of Valencia held in 2010. Data were collected through household survey and blood pressure was measured using an automated sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined according to criteria established in 2007 by the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology. Strength of association between hypertension and associated factors was measured by binary logistic regression for demographic explanatory variables, family history, lifestyle, anthropometric variables and others.

Results:

The prevalence of hypertension estimated for Valencia region was 38,2% [95% CI 34,9 to 41,5]; 40,7% in men [95% CI 35,0 to 45,5] and 35,7% in women [95% CI 31,1 to 40,3]. Remained as associated variables with hypertension: age [45-64 years OR 4,3, IC 95% 2,1-8,8; ≥65 years, OR 15,5, IC 95% 7,2-33,2], body mass index [overweight OR 2,1 95% CI 1,3 to 3,2; obesity OR 5,3, 95% CI 3,3 to 8,5] and diabetes [OR 2,4, 95% CI 1,2-4,8].

Conclusions:

More than a third of the study population suffers from hypertension. Its risk increases with age. Overweight and diabetes mellitus double the likelihood of developing hypertension.

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