Characteristics of age-related changes in blood pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, and physique in Bolivians residing at different altitudes: presentation of basic data for health promotion

[Purpose] To present basic data for a health promotion plan tailored to the body function of Bolivians residing in different municipalities and altitudes by investigating their blood pressure and oxyhemoglobin saturation. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 589 Bolivians residing in different altitudes who voluntarily participated in health promotion activities. We measured the blood pressure, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, height, and weight, and calculated the body mass index. We divided the participants into two groups based on the altitude (valley and lowland) and the participants of each altitude group into six age brackets (every 10 years) to investigate the effect of age on each value. [Results] The altitude affected the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, and height. All average values in the valley group were lower than those in the lowland group. There were significant effects in all variables based on age. The body mass index values were significantly higher in participants aged 45-64 years compared to those aged 18-34 years; the average value was 29. [Conclusion] An anti-obesity initiative for health promotion is needed to reduce the risk of health impairment in Bolivians, especially lifestyle-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.