Changes in Blood Pressures, Blood Profiles and Physical Conditions among Adults in the Daejeon Area

Kang, Hae Kyung

Abstract

The body mass index, blood pressures and blood profiles of adults, who worked at three colleges in the Daejeon area, were evaluated for use in developing well-balanced menus at their workplace cafeterias and/or in creating nutrition education programs tailored to their health statuses. The data analyzed were from physical examinations performed in 2002 and in 2004 by the National Health Insurance Corporation. Overall, levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum cholesterol were lower in the 2004 samples than in those of 2002, but most samples in 2004 showed higher levels of SGOT. In 2002, statistical differences occured in the levels of blood pressure and serum cholesterol among age groups, but not in 2004. And in 2004, the older the age group, the higher the BMI. Among subjects in their twenties, three variables (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum cholesterol) showed statistical differences; this increased to four variables (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose and serum cholesterol) among subjects in their thirties and to six variables (Hb, SGOT, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose and serum cholesterol) among those in their forties, followed by a decline to four variables (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Hb and serum cholesterol) among subjects in their fifties. In general, the results of physical examinations showed improvements in blood pressure and blood profiles in 2004 in comparison with results in 2002. The level of SGOT was the exception. Despite these improvements, of those employees who had physical examinations in 2004, 5.2% had high blood glucose and 18.1% hypertension, 27.9% hypercholesterolemia, 8.3% registered abnormal liver functions, and 31.3% were classified as overweight and obese. Moreover, because some vulnerable blood profiles were found in the older age groups, various programs, including nutrition education, and/or development of healthful diets as well as excercise activities, may be needed within their workplaces.