BODY-FAT AND FAT DISTRIBUTION IN RELAXATION TO SEX-DIFFERENCES IN BLOOD-PRESSURE

The extent to which the relationship between body fat and blood pressu re either differs by sex or explains sex differences in blood pressure is examined. Estimates of the relationship of blood pressure to sever al measures of adiposity in men and women were obtained from a systema tic review of the literature and tests of whether these relationships differ by sex were performed. Analysis of covariance (controlling for age and race) was used for both casual and ambulatory blood pressure i n the Cornell Worksite Blood Pressure Study (N = 276). In general, mos t adiposity measures were significantly related to casual and ambulato ry blood pressure in men and women. Subscapular skinfold thickness and body mass index exhibited the strongest associations. The vast majori ty of adiposity/blood pressure associations were not significantly dif ferent for men and women. Finally, sex differences in adiposity did no t account for much of the sex difference observed in blood pressure. ( C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.