Factors influencing blood pressure classification for adults: Gender differences

Aim: Hypertension is a common condition contributing to many diseases. Factors influencing blood pressure (BP) classification for adults have changed over time. This study aimed to identify factors influencing BP classification according to gender. Methods: Data from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014) were used in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Participants were 1555 adults (589 men, 966 women). Measures included demographic, health-related, and lifestyle factors. Results: Compared with the male normal BP group, in the male prehypertension group, body mass index, problem drinking, and reduced sleep duration were higher; and in the male hypertension group, age, poor subjective health status, body mass index, diabetes, problem drinking, smoking, and sodium intake were higher. Compared with the female normal BP group, age, and body mass index were higher in the female prehypertension group; and age, poor subjective health status, body mass index, menopause, and diabetes were higher in the female hypertension group. Conclusion: Hypertension and prehypertension prevention interventions for adults should be distinguished according to gender.