Excessive weight and hypertension in the elderly - the results of the community study

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between excessive weight and systolic-diastolic and isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly. The sample covered 631 men and 1269 women of age 65-84 who took part in the screening program for chest diseases in Cracow city center (Poland). During the visit at the medical center, blood pressure measurements (BP), anthropometric data, as well as standardized interviews on symptoms and current medical treatment have been carried out. The findings show that the prevalence of hypertension, defined as self-reported antihypertension treatment by a doctor and/or blood pressure greater or equal to 160/95, was 32.3% in males and 46.1% in females. Adding the cases of isolated systolic hypertension, the prevalence rates would be 50.5% in men and 68.1% in women. There was strong association between body mass index (BMI) and hypertension, defined by self-reported antihypertension treatment. The association between systolic-diastolic hypertension and BMI was significant only in those persons who denied the treatment. Isolated systolic hypertension appeared not to be significantly related to excessive weight. Hypertension attributable to the excessive weight would be in the range of 38% in men and 41% in women. Beneficial effects of the weight reduction programs should not be expected with regard to isolated systolic hypertension. The data support the clinical opinion that both kinds of hypertension are distinct disorders.