PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS OF A HEALTH BASIC UNIT FROM PALHOÇA, SC, BRAZIL

Introduction: The Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, while the physical activity is associated with decreased risk of developing hypertension. Objective: To assess the level of physical activity and associated factors in hypertensive individuals registered in the Family Health Strategy in a Basic Health Unit (BHU) in the city of Palhoça, SC, Brazil. Methods: Transversal study with 134 hypertensive patients in a BHU in the period of June to November, 2015. Applied Evaluation Physical Activity Instrument (IPAQ). Analyses in SPSS 18.0, compared the averages by the T-test (p ≤0,05) and 95% confidence interval. It was approved by Unisul Research Ethics Committee. Results: Women (59,8%), medium age of 64,94 years old (SD 12,7), doesn’t work (78,4%), smoking in (16,4%), of which 68,2% smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. Active in physical activity (42,6%), irregularly active (41,5%) and 6,2% sedentary. Hypertension lower than 159/99 mmHg (78,8%), diabetics (38,8%), obesity (32,8%), kidney disease (20,9%), heart disease (17,9%). 76,8% use up to 2 anti hypertensive. In smokers, the highest level of physical activity is associated with less than 20 cigarettes a day consumption (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The hypertensives accompanied by the Family Health Strategy in the City of Palhoça, Brazil, perform regular physical activity, maintain low blood pressure and use up to two antihypertensive drugs. Smokers with consumption of more than 20 cigarettes a day are more sedentary.