BODY FAT AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF NATIVES IN NEW GUINEA : REFLECTIONS ON ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Summary Natives were examined in the highlands (221 males, 169 females), where salt is scarce, and on the coast (146 males, 87 females). Both groups eat little protein and fat. Measurements were made of height, weight, folds of skin and subcutaneous fat, circumference of arm and blood pressure. Though shorter and lighter than average Europeans, the relative weight of young adult natives was “ideal”. Natives were more muscular and less obese than Europeans. The blood pressure of young adults was the same as for Europeans (125/80 mm. Hg. at 25 years of age). With advancing age there was a decrease in diastolic pressure with an increase in pulse pressure in both sexes; systolic pressure increased in females but was constant in males. At 65 years of age the average for males was 130/70 mm. and for females 140/75 mm. Hg. The pulse pressure and the rate of its rise with age resembled the findings in Europeans. There was no apparent relationship between blood pressure and relative body weight or obesity when allowance was made for errors due to arm circumference. Coastal natives, whose appetite for salt is satisfied, did not have a higher blood pressure than the highlanders, who crave salt. Results are interpreted to mean that natives are physically as bulky as Europeans (allowing for the difference in height); that the influence of sex and aging of elastic arteries affect both races alike; but that natives lack, while Europeans acquire, the complaint of muscular arteries which is sometimes called essential hypertension.