Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure among Three Groups of Occupation

Background: It is believed that occupation influences cardiovascular risk factors. To assess blood pressure (BP) and other cardiovascular risk factors in three occupation groups—teachers, military personnel and female housekeepers residing in Shiraz, southern Iran. Methods: We studied 2783 teachers, 366 military personnel, and 1896 female housekeepers who attended various medical education centers in Shiraz. BP, anthropometric parameters as well as fasted lipid profile and blood glucose level were measured determined for each participant. Results: The mean values of all analyzed cardiovascular risk factors were higher among female housekeepers compared to female teachers. The mean systolic and diastolic BP was significantly (P < 0.001, and P=0.047, respectively) higher in female housekeepers than female teachers. Neither systolic nor diastolic BP had association with the type of occupation in men (military personnel vs. male teachers). Conclusion: Housekeeping compared to teaching, may increase both systolic and diastolic BP in women.