and physical activity (no or less 1 h/week, 1–2 h/week, or
≥2 h/week)
were assessed by self-report. Chronic bronchitis was
defined as productive cough in the past 12 months for
at least three months. Bronchial asthma and pulmonary
disease was based on self-reports and/or lung function
abnormalities.
During SHIP core examinations after a 5 min rest period,
SBP and DBP were measured three times at the right arm
of seated subjects using a digital blood pressure monitor
(HEM-705CP, Omron Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with
each reading being followed by a further rest period of
3 min. The mean of the second and third measurements
was calculated and used for evaluation of resting blood