SAPPORO, Japan – The low socioeconomic level is related to a shorter life expectancy and is considered a risk factor for poor health and premature death. Despite this, a new study by researchers at the Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan reveals that men with higher incomes have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those with lower incomes.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the world’s leading cause of premature death. More than a billion people worldwide suffer from this condition.
“High blood pressure is a lifestyle-related disease,” researcher Shingo Yanagiya explained in a press release. “As a physician caring for these patients, I wanted to know if the risk varies by socioeconomic class, to help us focus our prevention efforts.”
To study the link between hypertension and socioeconomic status, Yanagiya and her research team examined the income and health data of 4,314 Japanese employees (including 3,153 men and 1,161 women) from 12 different workplaces. Participants, who enrolled in 2012, had daytime jobs and had normal blood pressure at the start of the study.
The researchers divided the participants into four groups based on income. They followed each group for two years and observed the probability that each group developed high blood pressure.
Rich men, but not women at risk of high blood pressure
The findings reveal that men in the highest income group are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure as those in the lowest income group. This is true even when monitoring baseline blood pressure, workplace, occupation, number of family members, and smoking.
Taking into account alcohol intake and BMI, the relationship is slightly weaker. This suggests that these factors also contribute to the risk of hypertension.
Interestingly, the researchers say there is no link between earnings and blood pressure in women.
“Some previous Japanese surveys reported that higher family income is associated with more undesirable lifestyles in men, but not in women,” says Yanagiya. “Our study supports this: Men, but not women, with higher family incomes were more likely to be obese and drink alcohol every day. Both behaviors are the main risk factors for hypertension. “
“Men with well-paying daytime jobs are at particular risk of high blood pressure. This applies to men of all ages, who can greatly decrease their chances of having a heart attack or stroke by improving their health behaviors, “he adds.
The study findings will be presented at the 84th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS 2020). The event will be online from July 27, 2020 to August 2, 2020.
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