Blood pressure in the seven countries cohorts of Crete and Netherlands

Blood pressure is an important determinant of various cardiovascular diseases e.g. CHD, stroke and kidney failure. It is postulated that the greatest lowering of blood pressure is obtained when, in addition to a reduction in sodium intake, a diet rich in low-fat dairy products, fruit and vegetables is consumed. Studies suggest that a dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts substantially decreases the risk of CHD. Recent guidelines for a healthy diet include an intake of at least 400g/d of fruit and vegetables. The average fruit and vegetable intakes do not surpass 400g in either of the elderly cohorts, although they are in the region of 300 g/d. In both the Cretan cohorts, the percentage of subjetcs consuming nuts appears to be low (8% in the elderly cohort and only 3% in the younger males), in contrast to the Dutch cohort (63% consumers).
 
In Western societies, blood pressure is known to increase as age increases (Jacobs et al, 1999). Average diastolic blood pressure in the Cretan 7 countries survivors was significantly lower, however, than in the younger Cretan men. Medication effects could be acting as a confounder. Certain medications may also affect other blood measurements e.g. homocysteine.

A. Kafatos, Ch. Hatzis, M.Linardakis, J. Moschandreas
Univerity of Crete, Greece
D. Kromhout, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment RIVM, The Netherlands
 

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