Understanding the blood pressure (BP) distribution within populations is fundamental to an understanding of the etiology of cardiovascular diseases and to develop effective preventive strategies This study focuses on whether the BP levels and hypertension prevalence differ between neo-migrants and settled-migrants in the city of Delhi. Data on BP, anthropometry, social variables, and demographic variables were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 226 settled-migrants and 227 neo-migrants. Men possessed significantly higher BP levels than women. Settled-migrants possessed higher BP levels, except diastolic BP in males. The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 15% (neo-migrant women) to 25% (settled-migrant men), with no significant gender differences. Group differences were significant for men. Hypertension was more prevalent in older settled-migrants and younger neo-migrants. Recent migration was found to be a significant contributor to hypertension prevalence. Age contributed significantly to BP variation in both groups except in neo-migrant men. Pulse rate also contributed to systolic BP among neo-migrant women and settled-migrant men. Thus, urban residence and migration to urban areas can be a leading cause of increased prevalence of hypertension. Neo-migrants were subjected to more lifestyle insults and the stress generated during the adjustment process may be contributing to rise of BP even at younger ages. © 2009 APJPH.

Migration India Urban Hypertension Cross-sectional study blood pressure

urban area lifestyle India Heart Rate demography blood pressure human sex difference middle aged controlled study social aspect hypertension Logistic Models Urban Health statistical significance Cross-Sectional Studies Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans cardiovascular disease Interviews as Topic male female Socioeconomic Factors pulse rate Risk Factors prevalence Article major clinical study adult migration Sex Factors Age Factors age distribution blood pressure measurement Emigration and Immigration anthropometry Transients and Migrants