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Vol 67, No 4 (2016)
Original article
Submitted: 2016-07-28
Accepted: 2016-09-23
Published online: 2016-12-23
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Hypertension among Danish seafarers

Mingshan Tu, Jorgen Riis Jepsen
DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2016.0037
·
Pubmed: 28009392
·
IMH 2016;67(4):196-204.

open access

Vol 67, No 4 (2016)
MARITIME MEDICINE Original article
Submitted: 2016-07-28
Accepted: 2016-09-23
Published online: 2016-12-23

Abstract

Background: Due to the high prevalence of arterial hypertension and its role in the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke, hypertension is a major public health challenge worldwide. There is limited knowledge of the prevalence of hypertension among seafarers who, however, are known to have an excess morbidity and mortality from these disorders. This article addresses the prevalence of hypertension among Danish seafarers and discusses potential risk factors for hypertension in maritime settings.

Materials and methods: A representative sample of 629 Danish seafarers who had statutory medical examinations was studied from the beginning of October 2011 to the end of June 2012. The medical examination included measurements of blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension in the study population was stratified by age, work place on board, smoking status, alcohol intake, and body mass index.

Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 44.7% (95% CI 40.8–48.6). In a comparison sample of adult Danes, the crude rate of hypertension was 12.6%. In addition, 41.8% (95% CI 38.0–45.7) of seafarers were pre-hypertensive. Hypertension was particularly increased among younger seafarers. The proportion of seafarers in antihypertensive treatment was low, in particular among the young seafarers.

Conclusions: Hypertension is a major health issue among Danish seafarers. In addition to ensuring antihypertensive treatment when needed, individual and collective prevention should address lifestyle issues as well as physical and psychosocial exposures at sea.

Abstract

Background: Due to the high prevalence of arterial hypertension and its role in the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke, hypertension is a major public health challenge worldwide. There is limited knowledge of the prevalence of hypertension among seafarers who, however, are known to have an excess morbidity and mortality from these disorders. This article addresses the prevalence of hypertension among Danish seafarers and discusses potential risk factors for hypertension in maritime settings.

Materials and methods: A representative sample of 629 Danish seafarers who had statutory medical examinations was studied from the beginning of October 2011 to the end of June 2012. The medical examination included measurements of blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension in the study population was stratified by age, work place on board, smoking status, alcohol intake, and body mass index.

Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 44.7% (95% CI 40.8–48.6). In a comparison sample of adult Danes, the crude rate of hypertension was 12.6%. In addition, 41.8% (95% CI 38.0–45.7) of seafarers were pre-hypertensive. Hypertension was particularly increased among younger seafarers. The proportion of seafarers in antihypertensive treatment was low, in particular among the young seafarers.

Conclusions: Hypertension is a major health issue among Danish seafarers. In addition to ensuring antihypertensive treatment when needed, individual and collective prevention should address lifestyle issues as well as physical and psychosocial exposures at sea.

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Keywords

hypertension, pre-hypertension, seafarers, shift-work, noise on board, Denmark

About this article
Title

Hypertension among Danish seafarers

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 67, No 4 (2016)

Article type

Original article

Pages

196-204

Published online

2016-12-23

Page views

2326

Article views/downloads

1761

DOI

10.5603/IMH.2016.0037

Pubmed

28009392

Bibliographic record

IMH 2016;67(4):196-204.

Keywords

hypertension
pre-hypertension
seafarers
shift-work
noise on board
Denmark

Authors

Mingshan Tu
Jorgen Riis Jepsen

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