RESUMEN
Objective To assess the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension and its attributing factors in Heilongjiang province and establish a comprehensive basis for the prevention and control of hypertension in this region. Methods Using the stratified chunk method, a survey lasting 50 years was conducted on a sample of 299 677 (including i 58 782 males and 140 895 females) patients, aged 15 and above, residing in both rural and urban areas of Heilongjiang province from 1958 to 2007. Both blood pressure measurement and analysis on attributing factors of hypertension were carried out in 1958, 1979, 1991, 1999 and 2007. Results The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in Heilongjiang than in other provinces. It elevated annually, reaching a 3-fold increase in 50 years with an accelerating pace ( 17.06% to 25. 69% ) in the recent 8 years. Among the people examined, the prevalence of hypertension increased with aging. Furthermore, the prevalence of hypertension varied among different professions. Office workers had the highest prevalence (41.67%). Compared with female population, male participants had a much higher prevalence before the age of 55 (P < 0.0001 ). Body mass index, gender, hypertriglyceridemia, age, low-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and family history were identified as major risk factors for the development of hypertension in Heilongjiang province. However, the awareness (48. 90% ), treatment (25.33%) and control (4. 32% ) rates of hypertension in this region were relatively low. Conclusion The results of the present study identified Heilongjiang province as a high-risk region for hypertension. It also suggests the necessity to plan and implement actions for the effective prevention and treatment of hypertension in this region.
RESUMEN
To investigate whether the calcium channel blocker amlodipine could inhibit macrophage matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and secretion. Methods Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from BALB/C mice and incubated with low (5μg/L), middle (15μg/L) and high (305μg/L) concentrations of amlodipine, or in the medium alone (controls) for 24 hours, and the expression and secretion of MMP-2 and MM-9 of the cells were analyzed by RT-PCR and gelatin zymography. Results Compared with controls, amlodipine at low concentration had no significant effects on the expression and secretion of either MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P＞0.05);at middle concentrationit it could inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions completely and significantly reduced the secretion of MMP-9 (P＜0.05); but it had no effect on the secretion of MMP-2. At high concentration it also inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression completely. Conclusion Amlodipine at 15 ìg/L inhibited the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and reduced the secretion of MMP-9, suggesting that amlodipine may stabilize atherosclerotic plaque.
RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the epidemiology features of hypertension in Heilongjiang Province, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 1959 to 1999, 289,157 people in total, ages > or = 15-year old (male 154,091, female 135,066) were investigated four times by a stratified chunk method in rural and urban areas in Heilongjiang Province. After a staff training program, this survey on blood pressure and risk factors was carried out under a worldwide uniform protocol with standardized method and interrelated quality control regulation. Among these samples, 1615 people (male 824, female 791) received blood-lipid analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The hypertensive incidence of Heilongjiang was much higher than the average level in China (P < 0.01) and it has gotten higher from 1959 to 1999, especially in the last ten years. It increased more in males than in females (P < 0.01). It was also higher with age. The mean age of hypertensive onset became ten years younger recently. It is different in different areas and professions. Age, BMI (body mass index), drinking alcohol, gender, history of maternal hypertension, high salt diet and professional status were the main risk factors for hypertension in Heilongjiang Province in China.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prophylaxis and treatment of hypertension should be enhanced in this area.</p>