/CNW/ - New analysis of a landmark health survey by the
University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) shows that 70% of Ontario
adults are either overweight or obese, and have a strong prevalence of
high blood pressure that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
The research, led by Dr. Frans Leenen of the Heart Institutes
Hypertension Unit, adds new information to a limited amount of Canadian
data on obesity and high blood pressure. The analysis further
strengthens the link between high blood pressure and above normal Body
Mass Index (BMI), a formula for body composition calculated by height
and weight.
Obesity is rapidly increasing in Canada because we are eating far more
than our bodies require. We know better than ever that even being
overweight creates other problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol
levels and thereby endangers cardiovascular health, said Dr. Leenen.
Public health strategies to reduce the growing epidemic of obesity
would also reduce the burden of high blood pressure and other negative
effects leading to heart disease.
Study results were published this week in the American Journal of
Hypertension (AM J Hypertens 2010; 23: 1000-1006). They represent the
latest analysis from the Ontario Survey on the Prevalence and Control of
Hypertension, the first comprehensive assessment of high blood pressure
in Canada since 1992.
The survey, conducted by the Heart Institute with the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Ontario, examined 2,552 Ontarians aged 20 to 79 years old
in 16 communities from Sudbury to Windsor. Results showed 52% of people
aged 60 and over had high blood pressure but that the majority was
receiving treatment. As well, high blood pressure was more common among
people from ethnic groups such as South Asians and Blacks.
The latest analysis shows that 48% of adults were overweight (with a BMI
of 25 to 29.9) and 22% were obese (with a BMI of 30 and over). Normal
BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Obesity levels tended to increase with
age from 10% in younger people to 33% in older subjects. High blood
pressure was twice as common among obese people. Diabetes and high
cholesterol was three fold higher.
Being obese is followed by several serious heath problems. If we reduce
weight, then we can help reduce high blood pressure - these facts are
becoming more apparent as a way to live healthier, says Dr. George
Fodor, head of UOHI Prevention and Rehabilitation Research, and an
investigator who helped lead the research.
About UOHI
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is
Canadas largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre dedicated to
understanding, treating and preventing heart disease. We deliver
high-tech care with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular
medicine is practiced, and revolutionize cardiac treatment and
understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate
discoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national and
international community, and are pioneering a new era in heart health.
For more information, visit www.ottawaheart.ca
For more information about calculating BMI, follow this link to Health
Canadas interactive tool:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/weights-poids/guide-ld-adult/bmi_...
Details of the original study can be found at http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/cmaj;178/11/1441
and in The Beat, the Heart Institutes flagship research publication.
Also see http://www.ottawaheart.ca/content_documents/TheBeat-v3i2-Eng.pdf
