RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Presence of hypertension (HT), ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and a family history of hypertension are independently associated with reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) values
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P4010
VO 40
IS Suppl 56
A1 Komalkirti Apte
A1 Monica Barne
A1 Bill Brashier
A1 Sapna Madas
A1 Jaideep Gogtay
A1 Sushmeeta Chhowala
A1 Basant Pachisia
A1 Sundeep Salvi
YR 2012
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P4010.abstract
AB Background: Reduced lung function has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients of hypertension and IHD in earlier studies.We aimed to study the association between HT, IHD and PEF values amongst road transport workers from Andhra Pradesh State in India.Methods: 7,154 bus drivers, conductors, garage workers and office-based workers of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) were randomly selected from 24 bus depots and administered a health questionnaire, underwent blood pressure monitoring and performed peak flow metry using the EU scale peak flow meter (Breathometer®, Cipla Ltd., India). Current, past and family histories of cardiovascular and respiratory ailments were captured. Associations between PEF values and HT and IHD were studied using the chi square test and the values expressed as odds ratios.Results: Presence of HT, IHD and a family history of HT were independently associated with low PEF values, defined as less than 80% predicted PEFR value [OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 – 1.5, p=0.008; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 – 3.0, p=0.004; OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 – 1.4, p=0.039 respectively]. No difference in odds ratios were observed between different occupations.Conclusion: PEF values less than 80% predicted are strongly associated with presence of HT, family history of HT and presence of IHD. Reduced peak flow values should stimulate the need for performing a cardiovascular assessment.