Hungary has one of the highest cardiovascular (CV) mortality and stroke rates compared to other countries in Europe and North America. Data from two recent blood pressure (BP) screening projects in Hungary and Canada provided us with the opportunity to compare potential differences in the prevalence of hypertension between these countries.
From the Ontario Blood Pressure Survey, 880 white Canadians between 20 and 62 years old with white-collar occupation were selected and compared with a total of 1000 Hungarian bank employees in the same age range. Identical methods were employed for CV risk factor screening and BP measurements using the BpTRU instrument. Hypertension was defined by elevated BP measurement (SBP =140? mmHg and/or DBP =90 ?mmHg) or current intake of antihypertensive medication.
Canadian participants were on average 10 years older with a higher rate of obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. Smoking was more prevalent among Hungarians (29.4 vs. 22.5%, P?