Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for hypertension. In the United States, the prevalence of hypertension is highest among African Americans, and this is particularly true for African American men. The Jackson Heart Study is a large, prospective study of cardiovascular disease in African Americans. The aim of this study was to examine the association between weight, diet, and physical activity and hypertension in African American men.
body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported weight and height. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or the use of antihypertensive medication.
In this study, the mean BMI was 30.3 kg/m2. The prevalence of hypertension was 38.5%. After adjustment for age, education, family history of hypertension, and clinical site, overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 1.60, 95% CI 1.21-2.13 and OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.71-2.99, respectively).
Compared to those in the lowest quintile of energy intake, those in the highest quintile had a significantly increased risk of hypertension (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.21-2.31). There was a significant positive trend for the risk of hypertension with increasing quintiles of energy intake (p trend <0.001). There was no significant association between dietary fat intake and the risk of hypertension. Compared to those in the lowest quintile of dietary fiber intake, those in the highest quintile had a significantly reduced risk of hypertension (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-0.99). There was a significant negative trend for the risk of hypertension with increasing quintiles of dietary fiber intake (p trend = 0.02). Compared to those in the lowest quintile of physical activity, those in the highest quintile had a significantly reduced risk of hypertension (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.96). There was a significant negative trend for the risk of hypertension with increasing quintiles of physical activity (p trend = 0.01). In this study, overweight, obesity, high energy intake, and low dietary fiber intake were associated with an increased risk of hypertension, while high physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension. These findings suggest that weight management, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity may help to prevent or control hypertension in African American men. According to the Jackson Heart Study, there is an association between weight, diet, and physical activity in hypertensive African American males. The study followed 3,072 African American men aged 18-65 for a period of 10 years. In addition to weight, diet, and physical activity, the study also looked at other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress. The study found that weight, diet, and physical activity were all independently associated with blood pressure. Men who were overweight or obese had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than those of normal weight. Those who ate a diet high in sodium and fat were also at increased risk. And finally, those who were physically inactive had a higher risk than those who were physically active. Interestingly, the study also found that weight, diet, and physical activity were all linked to each other. Men who were overweight or obese were more likely to eat a diet high in sodium and fat and to be physically inactive. Similarly, those who ate a diet high in sodium and fat were more likely to be overweight or obese and to be physically inactive. Based on these findings, the Jackson Heart Study concludes that weight, diet, and physical activity are all important factors in the development of hypertension in African American men. Therefore, interventions that focus on these factors may be effective in preventing or managing hypertension in this population.
