Blood pressure was measured indirectly by auscultation using a mercury sphygmomanometer. The measurements were taken from both upper limbs while the individual was sitting down. If the pressures differed, the subsequent measurements were taken from the arm with the highest pressure. At least three measurements were made at 1 min intervals, and the mean of the two last measurements was considered the blood pressure of the individual (VI Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial, 2010).