BODY BUILD AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF MEN IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW GUINEA

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Measurements were made in 100 Australian male blood donors, 40 to 59 years of age, of height, weight, skinfold thickness, circumference of the arm, girth of hips and blood pressure. In 50 the total serum cholesterol level and the cholesterol in low density lipoproteins were measured.The desirable body weight was exceeded by 20 p.c. on the average and it was estimated that 28 p.c. of the body weight was fat. There was no correlation between blood pressure and arm size, body bulk (weight/height2) or skinfolds. Systolic, but not diastolic, pressure rose with age within this group. The average serum cholesterol level was 248 mg./100 ml. with 79 p.c. in the low density lipoproteins. There was no relationship between cholesterol level and body build.The results were compared with previously published observations in male Australians 20 to 39 years of age and natives of New Guinea of both age groups. Ageing was accompanied in the Australians, but not in the natives, by increasing body bulk, obesity, blood pressure and serum cholesterol level. The natives maintained “ideal” body bulk and blood pressure at all ages. Blood pressure was related to body build only in the younger group of Australians. Possible implications of these findings are discussed.