Hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure reaches above 130/80 mmHg. Blood pressure will change from time to time, depending on your activities and the resistance of your blood vessels. If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause complications that increase the risk of heart-related diseases, stroke and others.
One of the factors that can increase the risk of hypertension is your lifestyle. An unhealthy lifestyle such as alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and poor diet have been shown to increase the risk of high blood pressure. It turns out that there is another factor that may lead to high blood pressure. The results of a study published in the European Heart Journal found that income levels can also be a risk factor for hypertension, especially for men. Men with higher income levels are known to have a greater risk of hypertension.
In their study, researchers analysed the data from 4,314 workers in Japan who worked during the day and had normal blood pressure in 2012. They were divided into three groups based on their income levels; low, medium, and high. To find the link between income and hypertension, the data was analysed over a two year period.
The results showed that the group with the highest income levels had twice the risk of hypertension as other groups, regardless of age, work environment, genetic factors, and smoking habits. However, the risk increases when associated with high body mass index factors and alcohol consumption. Those with high incomeare known to be obese and like to consume alcohol every day. These two factors can increase the risk of hypertension.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay
Source(s):
- Williams, B., Mancia, G., Spiering W., et al (2018). 2018 ESC / ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. European Heart Journal, DOI: 10.1093 / eurheartj / ehy339.
- Science Daily - Wealthier men are more likely to develop high blood pressure (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200726214837.htm, 28 July 2020.