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Association between blood pressure and mortality in 80-year-old subjects from a population-based prospective study in

Shuntaro Kagiyama1, Masayo Fukuhara, Toshihiro Ansai

  • 1Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Science of Health Improvement, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan. kagishu@hotmail.com

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|March 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

In very elderly individuals, high systolic blood pressure (SBP) did not increase overall mortality. However, elevated SBP was linked to higher mortality in those with cardiovascular disease or on antihypertensive medication.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor, but its impact diminishes with age.
  • The relationship between blood pressure and mortality in the very elderly requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if high systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a risk factor for total and cardiovascular mortality in Japanese individuals aged 80 and older.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 639 participants aged 80 in 1997 was followed for 4 years.
  • Participants were categorized into three groups based on SBP: <140 mmHg, 140-159 mmHg, and >160 mmHg.
  • Cox multivariate regression analysis was used to assess mortality risks.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between SBP levels and total mortality in the overall cohort.
  • However, participants on antihypertensive medication with higher SBP showed significantly increased mortality.
  • High SBP was associated with increased total mortality in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (e.g., angina, stroke).

Conclusions:

  • While high SBP may not be a direct mortality risk in the very elderly, it poses a significant risk for those with cardiovascular disease or on antihypertensive medication.
  • These findings highlight the importance of individualized blood pressure management in older adults with specific health conditions.

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