Blood pressure levels in Xavánte adults from the Pimentel Barbosa Indian Reservation, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

To study blood pressure (BP) levels in the Xavánte Indians of Central Brazil.

METHODS

93 subjects > or = 15 years old were included. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure readings were taken to the nearest mm Hg at Korotkoff phases 1 and 5 using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Height and weight measurements were taken, as well as general information on demographic, dietary, and social factors, including use of tobacco and alcohol.

RESULTS

5.3% of the adult men and 7.7% of the adult women (> or = 18 years old) were classified as hypertensive (SBP > or = 140 mm Hg and/or DBP > or = 90 mm Hg). No patients were classified as stage 3 hypertensive (SBP > or = 180 mm Hg or DBP > or = 110 mm Hg). Men had higher mean body weight and height than women. There was no major difference in mean BMI (body mass index) for men and women. SBP showed a positive and statistically significant correlation with age in both men (P = .056) and women (P = .040). Among men, DBP showed a negative correlation with height (P = .032). Among women, weight and BMI showed a positive correlation with DBP (P = .013 and P = .005, respectively). Diastolic pressure did not show statistically significant correlation with age for either sex (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hypertension has increased among the Xavánte over the years, which is probably related to behavioral, social, and economic alterations deriving from increased interaction with Brazilian national society.