ETHNIC-DIFFERENCES IN BLOOD-PRESSURE - FINDINGS FROM THE FLETCHER CHALLENGE - AUCKLAND-UNIVERSITY HEART AND HEALTH STUDY

Aims. To investigate the determinants of ethnic differences in blood p ressure, hypertension and the prevalence of additional risk factors fo r cardiovascular disease among a New Zealand population. Methods. Base line data from the Fletcher Challenge-University of Auckland Heart and Health Study were analysed for ethnic differences in blood pressure, and the likelihood of those with hypertension having other major cardi ovascular disease risk factors was estimated. Results. Maori and Pacif ic Islands participants had mean diastolic blood pressure up to 3 mmHg higher than Europeans, but Pacific Islands people had mean systolic b lood pressure 3-4 mmHg lower than Europeans and Maori respectively. Af ter adjustment for age and gender almost 20% of Maori, 16% of Pacific Islands and 11% of European people were classified as hypertensive. Ad justment for body mass index and alcohol consumption almost eliminated ethnic differences in blood pressure, and body mass index was found t o be the single most important modifiable determinant of raised blood pressure. Greater proportions of Maori (15%) and Pacific Islands peopl e (14%) with hypertension had multiple additional cardiovascular risk factors compared with Europeans (8%), but similar proportions were on antihypertensive drug treatment. Conclusions. Efforts to reduce obesit y have the potential to significantly reduce raised blood pressure amo ng Maori and Pacific Islands people. Overall cardiovascular risk is mo re likely to be higher in Maori and Pacific Islands people than in Eur opeans with hypertension, indicating that greater proportions of Maori and Pacific Islands people with high blood pressure should be receivi ng treatment.