Reduced lung function may induce hypertension

Reduced lung function, regardless of smoking status, contributes to an increased hypertension prevalence, reports a study.

A total of 3,728 men and 8,795 women aged ≥20 years living in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, were included in this cross-sectional study. The investigators assessed lung function using forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC), measured using spirometry.

Hypertension was characterized by a casual blood pressure (BP) at least 140/90 mm Hg or self-reported treatment for hypertension. On the other hand, home hypertension referred to morning home BP at least 135/85 mm Hg or self-reported treatment for hypertension.

The association between lung function and hypertension was explored using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders.

Participants had mean ages of 60.1 years for men and 56.2 years for women. More than half of the men (n=1,994, 53.5 percent) and about one in three women (n=2,992, 34.0 percent) had hypertension.

FEV₁ and FVC showed an inverse association with hypertension in multivariable models. Notably, an inverse association between lung function and hypertension was noted among never-smokers. In addition, reduced lung function significantly correlated with higher prevalence of home hypertension in both men and women.

“Assessment of the lung function or blood pressure may be required in individuals with reduced lung function or hypertension,” the investigators said.

Several studies have reported an inverse relationship between lung function and hypertension, but only a few have explored the association between lung function and hypertension among never-smokers, and none have examined the link between lung function and home hypertension.