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Effect of age on hypertension: analysis of over 4,800 referred hypertensive patients

G H Anderson1

  • 1Department of Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse, New York, Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, New Hartford, New York, USA.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation : an Official Publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia
|January 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found that older age significantly increases hypertension prevalence, particularly systolic hypertension after 60. Obesity also raises diastolic blood pressure, especially in African-Americans, and age correlates with secondary hypertension causes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Endocrinology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a global health concern with multifactorial origins.
  • Age is a known risk factor for hypertension, but specific contributing factors require further elucidation.
  • Secondary causes of hypertension are prevalent in patients referred for evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate factors associated with age-related blood pressure changes.
  • To identify predictors of secondary hypertension in a large patient cohort.
  • To examine the influence of obesity and ethnicity on hypertension prevalence and type.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from over 4800 patients referred for hypertension evaluation.
  • Assessment of clinical factors, biochemical markers (serum electrolytes, creatinine, hormones), and plasma renin/catecholamines.
  • Evaluation of blood pressure response to saralasin or enalapril infusion and saline loading tests.

Main Results:

  • Increased age is significantly associated with higher prevalence of hypertension, especially systolic hypertension post-60 years.
  • Obesity (ages 30-50) correlates with increased diastolic blood pressure, a trend more pronounced in African-Americans.
  • Age is linked to increased prevalence of secondary hypertension, including renovascular disease, renal insufficiency, and hypothyroidism.

Conclusions:

  • Age is a critical determinant of hypertension, influencing both primary and secondary forms.
  • Obesity and ethnicity are significant factors in hypertension development and presentation.
  • Comprehensive evaluation is crucial for identifying secondary causes of hypertension, particularly in aging populations.

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