O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica e identificar variáveis relacionadas a motoristas profissionais em trânsito na Rodovia BR-116. Foram avaliados 258 motoristas com medida do índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial, triglicérides, colesterol total e frações e proteína C reativa. Avaliou-se a síndrome metabólica de acordo com a I Diretriz Brasileira de Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Síndrome Metabólica. O nível de significância adotado foi p < 0,05. Foram utilizadas as análises uni e multivariadas. Verificou-se que a idade dos motoristas foi de 37,5 ± 10,1 anos, 82% tinham IMC > 25 kg/m², 58% circunferência abdominal > 94 cm, 9% colesterol total > 240 mg/dL, 10% LDL-c > 160 mg/dL; 23% HDL-c < 40 mg/dL, 22% triglicérides > de 200 mg/dL, 7% glicemia > 110 mg/dL e 19% proteína C reativa > 0,5 mg/dL. A prevalência da hipertensão arterial foi de 37%, 9% apresentaram médio/alto escore de risco de Framingham e 24% com síndrome metabólica. A análise de regressão logística indicou a associação independente da síndrome metabólica para as variáveis: IMC (OR = 1,4007 IC 95% 1,192-1,661), hábito de verificar o colesterol (OR = 0,1020 IC 0,017-0,589) e escore de risco de Framingham (OR = 26,3 IC 2,520-276,374). Verificou-se presença expressiva de fatores de risco cardiovasculares e da síndrome metabólica na população estudada.

The objective of this study was to determine the Metabolic Syndrome prevalence as well as identify variables related in truck drivers who work on Highway BR-116 (São Paulo, Brazil). A total of 258 truck drivers were assessed and the variables studied were: body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol, glycemia and C reactive protein. Cardiovascular disease risk was evaluated by Framingham's risk score whereas the Metabolic Syndrome based on the First Brazilian Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of the Metabolic Syndrome. The significance level adopted was p< 0.05 and univariate and multivariate analysis were applied. The average age was of 37.5±10.1. According to the anthropometric data, it was observed body mass index >25 kg/m² in 82%, waist circumference >94 cm in 58%, total cholesterol >240mg/dL in 9%, LDL-c >160mg/dL in 10%; HDL-c <40mg/dL in 20%, triglycerides >200mg/dL in 22%, glycemia >110mg/dL in 7%, and C reactive protein >0.5 mg/dL in 19%. Hypertension prevalence was 37%, 9% were identified at the highest/medium Framingham's risk score and 24% showed Metabolic Syndrome. The logistical regression analysis indicated independent association of the Metabolic Syndrome for the following variables (OD odds ratio, CI confidence interval at 95%): body mass index (OR = 1.4007 CI 95% 1.192-1.661), use to check cholesterol (OR = 0.1020 CI 0.017-0.589) and Framingham's risk score (OR = 26.389 CI 2.520-276.374). As a conclusion, it was observed a quite expressive prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors as well as Metabolic Syndrome in truck drivers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare blood pressure measurements taken at home by physicians, nurses, and patients with office blood pressure measurement , ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and home blood pressure measurement. METHODS: A total of 44 patients seen by a home care program were studied. Protocol 1 a) blood pressure was measured by the patient, a physician and a nurse during a regular home visit (Home1); b) home blood pressure measurement was measured for 4 days (HBPM1); c) office blood pressure measurement was measured by a physician, a nurse, and the patient; and by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Protocol 2 blood pressure was measured by the patient, a physician, and a nurse during a special home visit in the presence of a physician and a nurse only (Home2); and b) home blood pressure measurement was taken for the second time (HBPM2). Echocardiography, guided by a two-dimensional echocardiograph, was performed. RESULTS: Protocol 1: a) office blood pressure measurement and Home1 were significantly higher than ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, except for systolic and diastolic office blood pressure measurement taken by the patient or a family member, systolic blood pressure taken by a nurse, and diastolic blood pressure taken by a physician. b) ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and HBPM1 were similar. Protocol 2: a) HBPM2 and Home2 were similar. b) Home2 was significantly lower than Home1, except for diastolic blood pressure taken by a nurse or the patient. There were significant relationships between: a) diastolic blood pressure measured by the patient and the thickness of the interventricular septum, posterior wall, and left ventricular mass; and b) ambulatory and HBPM2 diastolic and systolic blood pressure taken by a physician (home2) and left ventricular mass. Therefore, the data indicate that home blood pressure measurement and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring had good prognostic values relative to "office measurement." CONCLUSION: This study showed that the measurement most similar to home blood pressure measurement and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was blood pressure measured by the patient, and that home blood pressure measurement and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring had good prognostic value relative to "office measurements".

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a prevalência de hipertensão arterial em funcionários de um complexo hospitalar e relacionar com variáveis sócio demográficas. MÉTODOS: Foi medida a pressão arterial com aparelho de coluna de mercúrio e manguito adequado à circunferência do braço, o peso e a altura em amostra de 864 dos 9.905 funcionários do Hospital Universitário estratificada de acordo com sexo, idade e ocupação. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 26% (hipertensão referida = 62% ou pressão sistólica > 140 e/ou > 90 mm Hg no momento da medida = 38%). Dos que referiram 51% estavam hipertensos no momento da medida. A prevalência foi 17, 23 e 29% (p < 0,05) nos médicos, enfermagem e "outros". Análise univariada mostrou "odds ratio" significante para o sexo masculino, idade > 50 anos, unidade de trabalho para o Instituto de Radiologia e Prédio da Administração, escolaridade <primeiro grau, tempo de trabalho > 10 anos e índice de massa corporal (IMC) maior ou igual a 30 kg/m². O modelo de regressão logística com procedimento "stepwise" mostrou associação estatisticamente significante com hipertensão arterial para as variáveis: sexo, idade, cor da pele, renda familiar e IMC. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de hipertensão foi alta em funcionários do Complexo Hospital das Clínicas, principalmente nos de ocupação diferente de médico e enfermagem. Os grupos de maior risco (homens, cor preta, baixa renda familiar, obesos) precisam ser orientados quanto a prevenção e diagnóstico precoce da doença através de programas especiais.

PURPOSE: To find out the prevalence of hypertension in employees of the Hospital and relate it to social demographic variables. METHODS: Blood pressure measurement was performed with a mercury sphygmomanometer, using an appropriate cuff size for arm circumference, weight, and height in a population sample of 864 individuals out of the 9,905 employees of a University General Hospital stratified by gender, age, and job position. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence was 26% (62% of these reported being aware of their hypertension and 38% were unaware but had systolic/diastolic blood pressures of >140 and/or >90 mm Hg at the moment of the measurement). Of those who were aware of having hypertension, 51% were found to be hypertensive at the moment of the measurement. The prevalence was found to be 17%, 23%, and 29% (P <.05) in physicians, nursing staff, and "others", respectively. The univariate analysis showed a significant odds ratio for the male gender, age >50 years, work unit being the Institute of Radiology and the Administration Building, educational level <elementary school, length of work >10 years, and body mass index >30 kg/m². The multivariate logistic regression model revealed a statistically significant association of hypertension with the following variables: gender, age, skin color, family income, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension prevalence was high, mainly in those who were not physicians or members of the nursing staff. High-risk groups (obese, non-white, men, low family income) should be better advised of prevention and early diagnosis of hypertension by means of special programs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between blood pressure control and the following: the Morisky-Green test, the patient's consciousness regarding high blood pressure, the patient's attitude in face of medicine intake, the patient's attendance at medical consultations, and the subjective physician's judgment. METHODS: We studied 130 hypertensive patients with the following characteristics: 73% females, 60±11 years, 58% married, 70% white, 45% retired, 45% with incomplete elementary schooling, 64% had a familial income of 1 to 3 minimum wages, body mass index of 30±7 kg/m², consciousness regarding the disease for a mean period of 11±9.5 years, and mean treatment duration of 8 ±7 years. RESULTS: Only 35% of the hypertensive individuals had blood pressure under control and a longer duration of treatment (10±7 vs 7±6.5 years; P<0.05). The retiree predominated. The result of the Morisky-Green test did not relate to blood pressure control. In evaluating the attitude in face of medicine intake, the controlled patients achieved significantly higher scores than did the noncontrolled patients (8±1.9 vs 7 ±2, P<0.05). The hypertensive patients had higher levels of consciousness regarding their disease and its treatment, and most (70%) patients attended 3 or 4 medical consultations, which did not influence blood pressure control. The physicians attributed significantly higher scores regarding adherence to treatment to controlled patients (6±0.8 vs 5±1.2; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Consciousness regarding the disease, the Morisky-Green test, and attendance to medical consultations did not influence blood pressure control.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of white-coat normortension, white-coat hypertension, and white-coat effect. METHODS: We assessed 670 medical records of patients from the League of Hypertension of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Medical School of the University of São Paulo. White-coat hypertension (blood pressure at the medical office: mean of 3 measurements with the oscillometric device <FONT FACE=Symbol>³</FONT>140 or <FONT FACE=Symbol>³</FONT>90 mmHg, or both, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring mean during wakefulness < 135/85) and white-coat normotension (office blood pressure < 140/90 and blood pressure during wakefulness on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring <FONT FACE=Symbol>³</FONT> 135/85) were analyzed in 183 patients taking no medication. The white-coat effect (difference between office and ambulatory blood pressure > 20 mmHg for systolic and 10 mmHg for diastolic) was analyzed in 487 patients on treatment, 374 of whom underwent multivariate analysis to identify the variables that better explain the white-coat effect. RESULTS: Prevalence of white-coat normotension was 12%, prevalence of white-coat hypertension was 20%, and prevalence of the white-coat effect was 27%. A significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between white-coat hypertension and familial history of hypertension, and between the white-coat effect and sex, severity of the office diastolic blood pressure, and thickness of left ventricular posterior wall. CONCLUSION: White-coat hypertension, white-coat normotension, and white-coat effect should be considered in the diagnosis of hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Dixtal DX2710 automated oscillometric device used for blood pressure measurement according to the protocols of the BHS and the AAMI. METHODS: Three blood pressure measurements were taken in 94 patients (53 females 15 to 80 years). The measurements were taken randomly by 2 observers trained to measure blood pressure with a mercury column device connected with an automated device. The device was classified according to the protocols of the BHS and AAMI. RESULT: The mean of blood pressure levels obtained by the observers was 148±38/93±25 mmHg and that obtained with the device was 148±37/89±26 mmHg. Considering the differences between the measurements obtained by the observer and those obtained with the automated device according to the criteria of the BHS, the following classification was adopted: "A" for systolic pressure (69% of the differences < 5; 90% < 10; and 97% < 15 mmHg); and "B" for diastolic pressure (63% of the differences < 5; 83% < 10; and 93% < 15 mmHg). The mean and standard deviation of the differences were 0±6.27 mmHg for systolic pressure and 3.82±6.21 mmHg for diastolic pressure. CONCLUSION: The Dixtal DX2710 device was approved according to the international recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sphygmomanometers calibration accuracy and the physical conditions of the cuff-bladder, bulb, pump, and valve. METHODS: Sixty hundred and forty five aneroid sphygmomanometers were evaluated, 521 used in private practice and 124 used in hospitals. Aneroid manometers were tested against a properly calibrated mercury manometer and were considered calibrated when the error was <=3mm Hg. The physical conditions of the cuffs-bladder, bulb, pump, and valve were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the aneroid sphygmomanometers tested, 51% of those used in private practice and 56% of those used in hospitals were found to be not accurately calibrated. Of these, the magnitude of inaccuracy ranged from 4 to 8mm Hg in 70% and 51% of the devices, respectively. The problems found in the cuffs - bladders, bulbs, pumps, and valves of the private practice and hospital devices were bladder damage (34% vs. 21%, respectively), holes/leaks in the bulbs (22% vs. 4%, respectively), and rubber aging (15% vs. 12%, respectively). Of the devices tested, 72% revealed at least one problem interfering with blood pressure measurement accuracy. CONCLUSION: Most of the manometers evaluated, whether used in private practice or in hospitals, were found to be inaccurate and unreliable, and their use may jeopardize the diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension.