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Background: We investigated the impact of weight change on mortality in a population-based cohort setting.Methods: We conducted two weight measurements for 5436 participants aged ≥ 30 years with an approximate 3-year interval. Based on their weight change, we categorized participants to: > 5% weight loss, 3-5% weight loss, stable weight (± < 3%), 3-5% weight gain, > 5% weight gain. We followed participants for mortality annually up to March 20th 2018. We applied the multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of weight change categories for all-cause, cardiovascular (CV), and cancer mortality, considering stable weight as reference. The Cox models was adjusted for age, sex, educational level, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline.Results: During a median follow-up of 14.4 years, 629 deaths (247 CV and 126 cancer deaths) have occurred. Over 5% weight loss and gain were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in multivariable analysis with HRs of 1.47 [95% CI: 1.17-1.85] and 1.27 [1.02-1.57], respectively; however, a 3-5% loss or gain did not alter the risk of all-cause mortality significantly. These significant risks for wight change > 5% were not modified by the presence of diabetes, obesity, and smoking status; however, the unfavorable impact of weight change on mortality events was more prominent in those older than > 65 years (P-value for interaction: 0.042). After excluding those with history of CVD, diabetes, and cancer during the weight measurements period, these associations significantly attenuated (HR: 1.29 [0.89-1.87] for > 5% weight loss and 1.12 [0.84-1.50] for > 5% weight gain). Additionally, a > 5% weight loss was also associated with about 60% higher risk for CV mortality (HR: 1.62 [1.15-2.28]), and a 3-5% weight loss was associated with about 95% higher risk of cancer mortality (HR: 1.95 [1.13-3.38]).Conclusions: Our findings showed a U-shaped association across weight change categories for all-cause mortality risk with over 5% weight gain and loss causing higher risk. Moreover, weight loss can have adverse impact on CV and cancer mortality events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to estimate annual health care and lost productivity costs associated with excess weight among the adult population in Belgium, using national health data.Methods: Health care costs and costs of absenteeism were estimated using data from the Belgian national health interview survey (BHIS) 2013 linked with individual health insurance data (2013-2017). Average yearly health care costs and costs of absenteeism were assessed by body mass index (BMI) categories - i.e., underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Health care costs were also analysed by type of cost (i.e. ambulatory, hospital, reimbursed medication). The cost attributable to excess weight and the contribution of various other chronic conditions to the incremental cost of excess weight were estimated using the method of recycled prediction (a.k.a. standardisation).Results: According to BHIS 2013, 34.7% and 13.9% of the Belgian adult population were respectively affected by overweight or obesity. They were mostly concentrated in the age-group 35-65 years and had significantly more chronic conditions compared to the normal weight population. Average total healthcare expenses for people with overweight and obesity were significantly higher than those observed in the normal weight population. The adjusted incremental annual health care cost of excess weight in Belgium was estimated at €3,329,206,657 (€651 [95% CI: €144-€1,084] and €1,015 [95% CI: €343-€1,697] per capita for individuals with overweight and obesity respectively). The comorbidities identified to be the main drivers for these incremental health care costs were hypertension, high cholesterol, serious gloom and depression. Mean annual incremental cost of absenteeism for overweight accounted for €242 per capita but was not statistically significant, people with obesity showed a significantly higher cost (p < 0.001) compared to the normal weight population: €2,015 [95% CI: €179-€4,336] per capita. The annual total incremental costs due to absenteeism of the population affected by overweight and obesity was estimated at €1,209,552,137. Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, was the most important driver of the incremental cost of absenteeism in individuals with overweight and obesity, followed by hypertension and low back pain.Conclusions: The mean annual incremental cost of excess weight in Belgium is of concern and stresses the need for policy actions aiming to reduce excess body weight. This study can be used as a baseline to evaluate the potential savings and health benefits of obesity prevention interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including among Africans. Knowledge of the association between traditional risk factors and both diabetes and pre-diabetes, and whether these differ by age and sex, is important for designing targeted interventions. However, little is known about these associations for African populations.Methods: The study used data from WHO STEPS surveys, comprising 15,520 participants (6,774 men and 8,746 women) aged 25-64 years, from 5 different West African countries, namely Burkina Faso (4,711), Benin (3,816), Mali (1,772), Liberia (2,594), and Ghana (2,662). T-test and chi-square tests were used to compare differences in the prevalence of traditional risk factors for both sexes. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to ascertain the relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for both T2DM and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) relating to each risk factor, including obesity [defined by BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)], high blood pressure (HBP), fruit and vegetable consumption, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Models for each of these traditional risk factors and interactions with age and sex were fitted.Results: Factors associated with T2DM and IFG were age, obesity [defined by BMI, WC, WHtR, and WHR], HBP, smoking, physical inactivity, and fruit and vegetable consumption (p < 0.05). Analysis of interaction effects showed few significant differences in associations between risk factors and T2DM according to age or sex. Significant interaction with age was observed for HBP*age and T2DM [RR; 1.20, 95% CI: (1.01, 1.42)) (p = 0.04)], WHtR*age and T2DM [RR; 1.23, 95% CI: (1.06, 1.44) (p = 0.007)] and WHR*age and IFG [RR: 0.79, 95% CI: (0.67, 0.94) (p = 0.006)]. Some interactions with age and sex were observed for the association of alcohol consumption and both IFG and T2DM, but no clear patterns were observed.Conclusion: The study found that with very few exceptions, associations between traditional risk factors examined and both IFG and T2DM did not vary by age or sex among the West African population. Policies and public health intervention strategies for the prevention of T2DM and IFG should target adults of any age or sex in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is metabolic heterogeneity in normal-weight individuals, however, there has been limited research in the Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, distribution and epidemiological determinants of metabolically obese but normal-weight (MONW) in a Chinese population.Methods: A total of 17,876 normal-weight individuals were recruited from 37,815 individuals in Zhejiang province in southeastern China. Normal-weight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-23.9 kg/m2. Metabolically abnormal traits were assessed by metabolic syndrome criteria from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2015. MONW was defined as individuals who had at least two metabolically abnormal trait but normal weight. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate MONW risk factors, adjusting for potential confounders.Results: The prevalence of metabolic abnormality was 34.1% in normal-weight individuals, and the overall prevalence of MONW was 16.1% in the general population. Different MONW distributions were found between men and women depending on age. Compared with women, men had a significantly higher MONW prevalence among those aged < 45 years old, and there was a lower prevalence for those aged ≥50 years old. Higher BMI or waist circumference (WC), central obesity, menopause, and family histories of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, increased MONW risk. Higher education levels, regular alcohol drinking, and balanced or vegetarian food preferences reduced MONW risk.Conclusions: Normal-weight individuals have metabolic heterogeneity in China. The MONW distribution between men and women depends on age. BMI, WC, dietary factors, and family history of chronic diseases, are associated with metabolic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data on prevalence and characteristics of different high blood pressure subtypes are lacking among Chinese children. Regarding the mechanistic differences between isolated systolic high blood pressure and isolated diastolic high blood pressure and their different impact on end organ diseases, it is necessary to examine the prevalence of different high blood pressure subtypes in Chinese children and explore their associations with adiposity.Methods: Data were derived from the baseline data of a multi-centered cluster randomized controlled trial involving participants from China. High blood pressure was defined according to age-, gender- and height-specific 95th percentile developed by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group. Body mass index was used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity.Results: The prevalence of HBP was 10.2% and 8.9% for boys and girls, respectively. Isolated systolic high blood pressure is the dominant high blood pressure subtype among Chinese boys aged 6-17 years and girls aged 12-17 years, while isolated diastolic high blood pressure was the most common high blood pressure subtype in girls aged 6-11 years. In boys, the status of overweight doubled the risk of isolated systolic high blood pressure (95% CI, 1.73, 2.31; P < 0.001) compared with the normal weight group, and the risk for obese children was 4.32 (95% CI, 3.81, 4.90; P < 0.001). The corresponding odds ratios in girls were 2.04 (95% CI, 1.68, 2.48, P < 0.001) for overweight, and 4.0 (95% CI, 3.36, 4.76, P < 0.001) for obesity. Similar patterns were also observed in the association between combined systolic and diastolic high blood pressure and adiposity.Conclusion: The distribution of high blood pressure subtypes in boys differed from those in girls, and boys with adiposity showed a higher risk of high blood pressure than their female counterpart. Difference in strength of association between isolated diastolic high blood pressure and isolated systolic high blood pressure with body mass index was also found. These results may aid current strategies for preventing and controlling pediatric hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obese Latino adolescents are disproportionately impacted by insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is an intermediate stage in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and represents a critical opportunity for intervention. However, to date, no diabetes prevention studies have been conducted in obese Latino youth with prediabetes, a highly vulnerable and underserved group. Therefore, we propose a randomized-controlled trial to test the short-term (6-month) and long-term (12-month) efficacy of a culturally-grounded, lifestyle intervention, as compared to usual care, for improving glucose tolerance and reducing diabetes risk in 120 obese Latino adolescents with prediabetes.Methods: Participants will be randomized to a lifestyle intervention or usual care group. Participants in the intervention group will attend weekly nutrition and wellness sessions and physical activity sessions twice a week for six months, followed by three months of booster sessions. The overall approach of the intervention is framed within a multilevel Ecodevelopmental model that leverages community, family, peer, and individual factors during the critical transition period of adolescence. The intervention is also guided by Social Cognitive Theory and employs key behavioral modification strategies to enhance self-efficacy and foster social support for making and sustaining healthy behavior changes. We will test intervention effects on quality of life, explore the potential mediating effects of changes in body composition, total, regional, and organ fat on improving glucose tolerance and increasing insulin sensitivity, and estimate the initial incremental cost effectiveness of the intervention as compared with usual care for improving glucose tolerance.Discussion: The proposed trial builds upon extant collaborations of a transdisciplinary team of investigators working in concert with local community agencies to address critical gaps in how diabetes prevention interventions for obese Latino youth are developed, implemented and evaluated. This innovative approach is an essential step in the development of scalable, cost-effective, solution oriented programs to prevent type 2 diabetes in this and other populations of high-risk youth.Trial Registration: NCT02615353, registered on June 8, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the trends in the prevalence and levels of risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in the Lithuanian population aged 45-64 years during 1985 to 2013.Methods: Data from four general population surveys conducted between 1985 and 2008 were used. All these surveys were carried out in Kaunas city and five randomly selected municipalities of Lithuania. Risk factors measured at each survey included regular smoking, overweight, obesity, arterial hypertension, and high levels of blood lipids. In total, data of 10,719 subjects (4,965 men and 5,754 women) aged 45-64 were analysed. Trends in standardized all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and malignant neoplasms were estimated for both sexes by joinpoint regression analysis.Results: In 1985-2013, some favourable trends were observed in the age-standardized mean levels and prevalence of risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in the Lithuanian middle-aged population. The mean values of blood lipids (with the exception of triglycerides) and the prevalence of dyslipidemias declined. In women, mean levels of systolic blood pressure and body mass index decreased, while in men, the levels of these factors increased. The prevalence of arterial hypertension and obesity increased in men. The proportion of obese women decreased. Smoking prevalence increased in both men and women. From 2007 to 2008, significant downward trends, which were steeper in women than in men, were observed in all-cause, CVD, and CHD mortality.Conclusions: Despite the favourable changes in some risk factors and mortality rates, the prevalence of risk factors and mortality from main non-communicable diseases in Lithuania are still high. This indicates the importance of the ongoing primary and secondary prevention and optimal treatment of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors during adolescence-including obesity, elevated lipids, altered glucose metabolism, hypertension, and elevated low-grade inflammation-is cause for serious concern and potentially impacts subsequent morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance of these cardiovascular risk factors, very little is known about their developmental origins in childhood. In addition, since adolescence is a time when individuals are navigating major life changes and gaining increasing autonomy from their parents or parental figures, it is a period when control over their own health behaviors (e.g. drug use, sleep, nutrition) also increases. The primary aim of this paper is to describe the rationale, design and methods for the RIGHT Track Health Study. This study examines self-regulation as a key factor in the development of cardiovascular risk, and further explores health behaviors as an explanatory mechanism of this association. We also examine potential moderators (e.g. psychosocial adversities such as harsh parenting) of this association.Method/design: RIGHT Track is a longitudinal study that investigates social and emotional development. The RIGHT Track Health Study prospectively follows participants from age 2 through young adulthood in an effort to understand how self-regulatory behavior throughout childhood alters the trajectories of various cardiovascular risk factors during late adolescence via health behaviors. Individuals from RIGHT Track were re-contacted and invited to participate in adolescent data collection (~16.5, 17.5 and 18(+) years old). Individuals completed assessments of body composition, anthropometric indicators, fitness testing (via peak oxygen consumption), heart rate variability during orthostatic challenge, 7-day accelerometry for physical activity and sleep, 24-h dietary recalls, and blood analysis for biomarkers related to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory status and various hormones and cytokines. Individuals also completed extensive self-report measures on diet and eating regulation, physical activity and sedentary behaviors, sleep, substance use, medical history, medication use and a laboratory-day checklist, which chronicled previous day activities and menstrual information for female participants.Discussion: Insights emerging from this analysis can help researchers and public health policy administrators target intervention efforts in early childhood, when preventing chronic disease is most cost-effective and behavior is more malleable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Very few studies have investigated the determinants of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in young adults (18-25 years old) using a set of variables that include lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric data. Our aim was to investigate the association between these variables and vitamin D status in a sample of untreated young adults.Methods: A total of 738 young adults were enrolled in a (June cross-sectional study 2012 to May 2014) and were recruited from educational institutions in the Copenhagen area. For multivariate logistic regression subjects was categorized based on 25[OH]D in serum into; vitamin D sufficiency (S-25[OH]D > 50 nmol/L), vitamin D insufficiency (25 nmol/L ≤ S-25[OH]D ≤ 50 nmol/L), vitamin D deficiency (S-25[OH]D < 25 nmol/L). Information on lifestyle factors and education was obtained by self-reported questionnaires.Results: 700 subjects with a valid measurement of S-25[OH]D and a completed questionnaire was analysed. 238 had vitamin D insufficiency, 135 had vitamin D deficiency of which 13 had severe vitamin D deficiency (S-25[OH]D < 12.5 nmol/L). The relative risk (RR) for vitamin D deficiency was highest for men 2.09 (1.52, 2.87); obese subjects 2.00 (1.27, 3.15); smokers 1.33 (1.02, 1.73); subjects who exercised 0-½ hours a week 1.88 (1.21, 2.94); and subjects who consumed fast food once a week 1.59 (1.05, 2.43). The relative risk was significantly lower for subjects who were studying for a Bachelor's degree (0.40 (0.23, 0.68). For vitamin D insufficiency, the highest RR was again for men 1.31 (1.06, 1.61); obese subjects 1.57 (1.17, 2.11); and subjects who exercised 0-½ hours a week 1.51 (1.11, 2.06).Conclusion: In this study of young adults, vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent. Modifiable factors such as smoking, maintenance of normal BMI, and physical activity are all potential targets for interventional trials to determine the causal order; such knowledge would be useful in improving S-25[OH]D in young adults. The small group with severe vitamin D deficiency warrants increased attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among overweight/obese children and adolescents using different diagnostic/screening methods in comparison.Methods: We recruited overweight/obese Emirati students; grade 6-12 (age 11-17 years) from 16 government schools in Sharjah (UAE). Anthropometric, demographic, and clinical history data was measured by standard methods. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized according to BMI percentile charts for age and sex - CDC. Capillary fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured by finger prick test, followed by confirmatory oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and venous HbA1c for students with abnormal capillary FBG and/or HbA1c.Results: Of a total of 1034 participants (45 % females) median age 14.7 years, 443 (43 %) students had abnormal screening results. The prevalence of prediabetes and T2D was 5.4 % and 0.87 %, respectively, based on OGTT (gold standard). HbA1c showed a considerable discrepancy regarding the prevalence of prediabetes (21.9 %), but not diabetes. There was a statistically significant difference in the BMI Z-scores between the three different groups of students showing normal glycemic testing, prediabetes and T2D (p = 0.041). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that glycemic status was significantly associated with family history of T2D first-degree relatives [OR 1.87: 95 % CI: 1.04-3.36; P = 0.036], parents employment [OR 1.79: 95 % CI: 1.06-3.02; P = 0.029] and levels of triglycerides [OR 2.28: 95 % CI: 1.11-4.68; P = 0.024].Conclusions: The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes was high among overweight/obese Emirati children and adolescents. The numbers for prediabetes were considerably higher when using HbA1c as compared to OGTT. Overall adiposity, family history of T2D, employment and high levels of triglycerides were risk factors associated with abnormal glycemic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have shown the importance of physical activity in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, most of these studies emphasise little on the cumulative effect of CVD risk factors. Hence, this study investigates the association between physical exercise and cumulative CVD risk factors among adults in three different age groups.Methods: Using a sample of 7276 respondents drawn from community centers, the REDISCOVER team gathered information on physical activity, CVD risk factors (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco use) and socioeconomic and demographic variables in Malaysia. Because the study required medical examination, a convenience sampling frame was preferred in which all volunteers were included in the study. Fasting blood samples and anthropometric (height, weight and more) measurements were collected by trained staffs. Socio-demographic and physical activity variables were recorded through questionnaires. A Chi-square test was performed to identify the bivariate association between the covariates (socioeconomic variables, demographic variables and physical activity) and outcome variable. The association between the main exposure, physical activity, and the outcome variable, cumulative CVD risk factors, was assessed using an ordinal logistic regression model, controlling for socioeconomic status and demographic influences in three different age groups, 35-49, 50-64 and 65 and above.Results: The mean age of participants is 51.8 (SD = 9.4). Respondents in the age groups of 35-49 (aORmoderate = 0.12; 95 % CI: 0.02 - 0.53 ) and 65 and above (aORhigh = 0.58; 95 % CI: 0.24, 0.78) showed a statistically significant inverse relationship between physical activity and cumulative CVD risk factors. However, this relationship was not significant among respondents in the 50-64 age group suggesting the possible influence of other variables, such as stress and environment.Conclusions: The statistically significant results show a negative association between physical exercise and cumulative CVD risk factors. However, the lack of a significant relationship in the 50-64 age group suggests the need to include other considerations in future studies, such as stress and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perceptions of illness are important determinants of health behaviour. A better understanding of perceptions of obesity might allow more effective interventions that challenge these perceptions through lifestyle modification programs. Although several studies have evaluated causal attributions with regard to obesity, other domains of illness perception, such as the perceived consequences of obesity and perceived controllability, have not yet been studied. The aim of the current study was to explore perceptions regarding causes, consequences, control, concerns and time course of obesity of centrally obese adults, with and without an elevated cardiometabolic risk and with or without weight loss, 3 years after screening for metabolic syndrome, and to compare these perceptions.Methods: Three groups were selected from a longitudinal study dependent on the baseline and 3-year follow-up profiles: individuals with central obesity and metabolic syndrome at both time points ('persistent cardiometabolic-risk group', n = 80), those with central obesity but without metabolic syndrome on either occasion ('persistent obese group', n = 63), and formerly obese individuals ('improved cardiometabolic-risk group', n = 49). Perceptions of obesity were assessed using an adapted version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ, range 0-10). Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare the 'persistent cardiometabolic risk' group with the other two groups with regard to patient characteristics and BIPQ scores.Results: Both males and females who improved their cardiometabolic risk perceived their obesity as shorter (median (IQR): 3.0 (4.0) vs. 6.0 (3.0), p < 0.001) and experienced greater personal control over their weight (7.0 (3.0) vs. 5.0 (3.0), p = 0.002) compared to those who did not improve. Females who improved their cardiometabolic risk experienced fewer identity and illness concerns, this was not found for males. Other scores did not differ between groups.Conclusion: Obese adults with an improved cardiometabolic risk profile felt greater personal control and considered their obesity to be of shorter duration. Persistence of central obesity with additional cardiometabolic risk factors had a larger impact on female than male participants with respect to identity and illness concerns. Whether discussing 'personal control' is a favourable element in lifestyle intervention should now be assessed in the setting of a controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh. However, the correlates of type 2 diabetes among adults in Bangladesh remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the correlates of type 2 diabetes among the adults in Bangladesh.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the nationally representative 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. A random sample of 7,543 (3,823 women and 3,720 men) adults of age 35 years and older from both urban and rural areas, who participated in the survey was included. Diabetes was defined as having a fasting plasma blood glucose level of ≥ 7 mm/L or taking diabetes medication during the survey. Hypothesized factors, e.g., age, sex, education, place of residence, social status, body mass index, and hypertension were considered in the analyses. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the important correlates of type 2 diabetes.Results: Among the respondents, the overall prevalence of diabetes was 11 %, and the prevalence was slightly higher in women (11.2 %) than men (10.6 %). Respondents with the age group of 55-59 years had higher odds of having diabetes (odds ratios (OR) = 2.37, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.76-3.21) than the age group of 35-39 years. Moreover, respondents who had higher educational attainment (OR = 1.67, 95 % CI: 1.18-2.36) and higher social status (OR = 2.01, 95 % CI: 1.50-2.70) had higher odds of having diabetes than the respondents with no education and lower social status, respectively. We also found socioeconomic status, place of residence (rural or urban), regions of residence (different divisions), overweight and obesity, and hypertension as significant correlates of type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh.Conclusions: Our study shows that older age, higher socioeconomic status, higher educational attainment, hypertension, and obesity were found to be significant correlates of type 2 diabetes. Need-based policy program strategies including early diagnosis, awareness via mass media, and health education programs for changing lifestyles should be initiated for older age, wealthy, and/or higher educated individuals in Bangladesh. Moreover, area-specific longitudinal research is necessary to find out the underlying causes of regional variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large proportion of treated hypertensive subjects do not achieve target blood pressure (BP) levels. We investigated trends in treatment and BP levels in the population, and among treated hypertensive subjects in northern Sweden.Methods: The six Northern Sweden MONICA population surveys 1986 to 2009, included 6342 subjects aged 45 to 74 years of age, participation rate 79.3%. Factors associated with lack of BP control are presented for 1106 participants in 2009. BP control was defined as a systolic BP <140 and a diastolic BP <90 mm Hg among treated hypertensive patients.Results: Between 1986 and 2009, the proportion of the population that received antihypertensive treatment increased. The proportion of the whole population having BP <140/90 mm Hg increased for all (p < 0.001 for each subgroup), except for men 45-55 years old. In 2009, 62.4% of the population had BP <140/90 mm Hg, 67.2% in women and 58.1% in men (p = 0.002). In the group of treated hypertensive patients, the proportion having BP control increased (p < 0.001) with no difference between sex or age groups. In 2009 52.1% of treated hypertensives had BP control. In 2009, adequate BP control among treated hypertensive patients was 63.9% for those with BMI <25, but only 48.8% for those with BMI > 25 (p = 0.015). Abdominal obesity was associated with less BP control (48.1%) than without abdominal obesity (66.2%, p = 0.007). Women who were physically inactive had better BP control than those who were active (p = 0.03). Men treated with two or more antihypertensive drugs were 50% more likely to reach target BP than men with monotherapy (60.4% vs. 40.0 %, p = 0.035). Rural or urban living, level of education, diabetes mellitus or having a high cardiovascular risk were not associated with better BP control.Conclusion: Antihypertensive treatment and BP control have increased in northern Sweden since 1986, although in 2009 still barely half of the treated patients achieved adequate BP levels. Intensified treatment and weight reduction may help to further improve BP control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]