WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY 2023 AND 2024 - THE PRO-HEALTH CAMPAIGN IN BIALYSTOK, POLAND

Objective: The study was a part of the annual pro-health campaign organized for World Hypertension Day in 2023 and 2024. The aim of it was to evaluate the incidental blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), glycemia and electrocardiography (ECG) among residents of Bialystok, Poland and the surrounding region. Design and method: The research consisted of 342 random participants (59.94% female). Data was gathered through physical measurements and participant-completed surveys composed of questions regarding age, sex, education level, residence, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity and the presence of any cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. The measured parameters included blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose levels, and electrocardiogram. Participants were categorized by age (>=65 or <65), BP (>=130/80 or <130/80 mmHg), sex, and BMI (>=25 or <25). Data were statistically analyzed. Results: Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 136 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 77 mmHg, HR 78/min, glycemia 101.70 mg/dl, and BMI 26.69. Most participants (87.58%) lived in urban areas, 50% was higher educated, and only 38.72% were physically active 2–3 times/week versus 28.57% declaired no activity. Participants with BP >=130/80 mmHg had a mean BMI of 27. Among adults >=65, SBP was higher (138.2 vs. 133.1 mmHg, p=0.002) and DBP lower (75.9 vs. 79.7 mmHg, p=0.0032) than in younger individuals. Those with BMI >25 had a higher prevalence of hypertension (57.37% vs. 29.37%) and diabetes mellitus (15.20% vs. 8.73%) compared to those with BMI <25. Of the BMI <25 group, 68.25% were women, but no significant gender difference was observed in the BMI >25 group. Among hypertensive participants (56% women), SBP, DBP, BMI, and inactivity were higher; 55.26% had completed secondary education. In this group, 22.9% suffered from diabetes mellitus compared to 5% in those without hypertension. Conclusions: The findings show age-related differences in blood pressure, with older adults having higher SBP and lower DBP. Hypertension was linked to higher BP, BMI, and inactivity, with men predominating. Addressing obesity, inactivity, and smoking is crucial for managing blood pressure, particularly in high-risk older adults.