LAUSR

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to identify sex-specific factors associated with increase in blood pressure (BP) and incident hypertension in early midlife. Materials and methods: 2,008 women and 1,610 men aged 40-43 years were followed for six years in the Hordaland Health Study. Participants taking antihypertensive medication at baseline were excluded. High-normal BP was defined as baseline BP 130-139/85-89 mmHg, and incident hypertension as BP≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication at follow-up. Results: During follow-up, an increase in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP was observed in 54% and 30% of women vs. 44% and 41% of men, respectively (both p<0.001). In both sexes higher baseline body mass index (BMI) and increases in BMI and serum lipids were associated with increases in SBP and DBP during follow-up (all p<0.05). Incident hypertension was more common in men (14 vs.11%, p<0.01), and predicted by higher BMI and high-normal BP at baseline in both sexes, and by higher serum triglyceride level in women (all p<0.01). Conclusion: In the Hordaland Health Study, BP development differed between women and men in early midlife. The main factors associated with BP increase in both sexes were higher BMI, weight gain and increases in serum lipids.