Table 1.
Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Lifestyle Characteristics in Relation to Hypertension Status of the Multinational Mediterranean Islands (MEDIS) Study Participants
| Normal | Hypertensive | P Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | 1058 | 1674 | |
| Male sex, % | 55 | 46 | <.001 |
| Age, y | 73.3±7.6 | 74.5±7.1 | <.001 |
| Older adults (>80 years), % | 39% | 28% | .12 |
| Living in urban areas, % | 58% | 62% | .08 |
| Education status (in school years) | 7.0±4.1 | 6.6±3.8 | <.001 |
| High financial status,a % | 22 | 17 | .02 |
| Living alone, % | 22 | 27 | .007 |
| Diabetes, % | 14 | 27 | <.001 |
| Hypercholesterolemia, % | 35 | 57 | <.001 |
| Obesity, % | 25 | 38 | <.001 |
| Body mass index, kg/m2 | 27.7±10.0 | 29.0±4.8 | <.001 |
| Systolic blood pressure, mm Hg | 127±14 | 140±17 | <.001 |
| Diastolic blood pressure, mm Hg | 76±9 | 79±11 | <.001 |
| Mean arterial pressure, mm Hg | 93±10 | 99±11 | <.001 |
| Pulse pressure, mm Hg | 51±13 | 60±16 | <.001 |
| Current smoking, % | 19 | 13 | <.001 |
| Physically active,b % | 61 | 42 | .06 |
| MedDietScore (0–55) | 32.6±5.3 | 32.7±5.0 | .68 |
| Alcohol drinking, % daily drinking, >1 glass | 50 | 46 | .05 |
| Coffee drinking, % daily drinking, >1 cup | 82 | 82 | .92 |
| Tea drinking, % daily drinking, >1 cup | 36 | 41 | .007 |
P values were derived using t test for the continuous variables or chi‐square test for the categorical variables.
aFinancial status was defined using the mean income during the previous 3 years. “High” was considered very adequate to cover daily expenses according to participants' reports. bWere defined as those who had engagement in physical activities with at least 3 metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week expenditure.