Physical Activity and Incident Hypertension in Black and White Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, ,

Background.The epidemiologic observation that physical activity reduces the risk for hypertension has only been made for white men who self-reported hypertension. This study examined physical activity and clinically determined incident hypertension in black and white men and women of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Methods.ARIC is a population-based prospective study with four U.S. clinic centers. The present analyses included 7,459 black and white adults 45–65 years of age. Hypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) was defined by blood pressure measured by a random-zero device or medication use. Physical activity was assessed with the Baecke questionnaire. Results.After adjustment for age, baseline blood pressure, ARIC center, education, body mass index, waist–hip ratio, parental history of hypertension, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet, white men in the highest quartile of leisure activity (primarily cycling and walking) had a 34% lower odds of developing hypertension over 6 years compared to the least active (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47–0.94;Pfor quartile TREND = 0.01). Baseline activity was not associated with incident hypertension in white women or blacks. Conclusions.Leisure-time physical activity reduces the odds of hypertension in middle-aged white men. Additional studies in women and blacks are needed.