CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AN EXTENSIVE ACTUARIAL STUDY OF BUILD AND BLOOD PRESSURE

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Abstract
A recent statistical study presents a detailed evaluation of variations in build and blood pressure in relation to mortality experience among several million lives insured under policies issued between 1935 and 1953. Height and weight averages have not changed with any striking consistency when compared to averages of a similar study fifty years ago. When overweight exceeds 25% above average weight, appreciable increases in mortality rates are demonstrated, and these increases are predominately due to higher incidence of degenerative diseases of the cardiovascular system. Overweight individuals who subsequently reduced and maintained a lower weight for one year demonstrated definitely improved mortality rates. Among males significant increases in mortality rate (more than 25% above expected) are demonstrated with diastolic pressures in the range 83 to 87 mm. Hg and with systolic pressures in the range 138 to 147 mm.Hg. With higher blood pressures there is an even greater increase in mortality rate. Among women the increases in mortality rate in relation to increases in blood pressure are much less pronounced. Insurance companies must recognize the significance in sharp increases in mortality experience associated with minor increases in blood pressure in differentiating "standard" from "substandard" insurance premiums. These criteria are entirely different, particularly in the younger ages, from the criteria for selecting patients for active antihypertensive therapy.

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