Influence of carboxyhemoglobin, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, body weight, and heart rate on blood pressure in middle-aged men.

Abstract

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb%) and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) are indicators of tobacco and alcohol consumption; similarly, body weight broadly reflects dietary habits. Relationships between COHb%, GGT, relative body weight, heart rate and blood pressure were studied in 242 48-year-old men attending a general health screening program in Malmö, Sweden. All were without treatment for high blood pressure. Positive correlations were found between blood pressure and body weight, GGT, and pulse, and a reciprocal correlation between blood pressure and COHb%. Use of objective markers for known or suspected risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, or overweight, were studied to elucidate their usefulness for further prospective studies.