Blood pressure and hypertension in New Zealand: results from the 2008/09 Adult Nutrition Survey
McLean, R.M.; Williams, S.; Mann, J.I.; Miller, J.C.; Parnell, W.R.
New Zealand Medical Journal 126(1372): 66-79
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 23793179 Document Number: 664122
To report the blood pressure results from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey (2008/09NZANS). Blood pressure measurements were available for 4,407 adults who were part of a survey involving face-to-face interviews with 4,721 New Zealanders aged 15 years and over. Three measurements were taken one minute apart, and the mean of the second and third readings has been used for this analysis. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than and equal to 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) greater than and equal to 90 mmHg or self reported use of antihypertensive medications. Comparisons were made with previously published New Zealand population blood pressure estimates. Mean SBP for the New Zealand adult population was 126 mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension was 31%, with 15% reporting taking antihypertensive medication. Mean SBP has increased since 2002/03 for New Zealand European and others (NZEO) aged 35-54 years and Maori aged 35-74 years, reversing a downward trend observed in NZEO between 1982 and 2002. The increasing blood pressure levels are concerning. Given the importance of elevated blood pressure as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, intensive screening, public health measures aimed at lowering population blood pressure, and further population monitoring are warranted.