Poor people more at risk for high BP

Recent research shows that poor people and those with less education are more likely to have high blood pressure. The average normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm hg where 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered high i.e. (hypertension) when systolic pressure is above 140 mm Hg, and/or diastolic pressure is more than 90 mm Hg. The researchers at the Columbia University in New York based their findings on a 9-year follow-up study of 8,555 American adults (including 6,800 whites and 1,344 blacks) at a variety of socioeconomic levels including (occupation, education, neighbourhood, and income). None of the participants had high blood pressure at the beginning of the study period. The researchers found that amongst the white population having the least education, living in the poorest neighbourhood, having the lowest income, and employed in manual-labour intensive jobs, were more likely to develop high blood pressure. In fact they were twice as likely to have high blood pressure than the well-educated whites living in expensive neighbourhoods, earning more money, and having better jobs. Ageing-related increases in systolic blood pressure were inversely associated with socio-economic position in the white population. Amongst the black participants those living in the low socioeconomic areas, were 1.4 times more likely than those in the highest socioeconomic environment to develop high blood pressure. In addition, people living in the poorest socioeconomic environment were the most likely to experience an increase in pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure) which is a sign of artery stiffening and is linked to heart failure, heart attack and death. There are many different ways in which socioeconomic disadvantages can influence blood pressure. Environment can affect health through parameters such as physical activity, stress and weight etc. In order to tackle these problems improving the standards of living and safety in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, enhancing the quality and quantity of public recreational places, could also improve the health of many people. .