Association between resting heart rate and hypertension treatment in a general population

Epidemiologic studies have reported a relationship between resting heart rate (RHR) and cardiovascular mortality, particularly in hypertensive subjects. In a representative sample (n = 1175) of women and men aged 35 to 64 years, we studied the associations between RHR and hypertension. RHR was associated with sex (P < .001),socioeconomic and marital status (P < .05), physical fitness (P < .001), smoking (P < .05), hypercholesterolemia (P < .01), body mass index (P < .01), blood pressure (P < .01), triglyceride levels (P < .01), glycemia (P < .05), hematocrit (P < .001 in men, not significant in women), and white blood cell count (P < .01). Logistic regression models adjusted for the above variables were developed with RHR coded as a polytomous outcome variable (RHR < 65/min; 65 less than or equal to RHR < 75/min; 75 less than or equal to RHR < 85/min; RHR greater than or equal to 85/min). Subjects unaware of their hypertension had significant adjusted odds ratios for high RHR categories [75 less than or equal to RHR < 85/min: 2.11 (1.37 to 3.23), P < .001; RHR greater than or equal to 85/min: 4.71 (2.06 to 10.78), P < .001]. people treated for hypertension had nonsignificant odds ratios whatever the RHR categories. After adjustment for numerous risk factors, elevated RHR were associated with high blood pressure in unaware hypertensive subjects.-The impact of antihypertensive drugs with different RHR lowering effects remains to be studied on a population basis. (C) 1999 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.