Association between hypertension and musculoskeletal complaints: a population-based study

Objective: To investigate the association between hypertension and musculoskeletal complaints among men and women selected by a population-based sample. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with participants selected using a multistage sampling procedure and interviewed at home, was conducted to investigate the association between hypertension and musculoskeletal complaints. Hypertension was defined by the average of four measurements of blood pressure (BP) at least 140/90 mmHg or use of BP-lowering drugs. Musculoskeletal complaints in the 3 months before the interview were investigated by a structured questionnaire. Results: Among 1858 participants, 58% were women, 64% were 18-49 years old, and 45% had up to 8 years of education. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaint was 33% [95% confidence interval (CI) 30-36] and of hypertension was 34% (95% CI 32-37). Men and women with hypertension had higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaint, which was no longer significant in women after adjustment for age, educational level, skin color, BMI, physical inactivity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, smoking and history of cardiovascular disease. Hypertensive men with uncontrolled hypertension using BP agents had higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaint (adjusted risk ratio = 1.78; 95% CI 1.11-2.86). Conclusions: Chronic musculoskeletal complaints are more frequent in men with uncontrolled hypertension under drug treatment. The absence of association in women and in hypertensive men not taking BP drugs suggest that hypertension is not a risk or protection against musculoskeletal complaints.