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[Arterial hypertension as a medical and social problem in the older urban population. The CINDI WHO Program study]

Krystyna Kaczmarczyk-Chałas1, Magdalena Kwaśniewska, Małgorzata Pikala

  • 1Zakład Medycyny Zapobiegawczej, Katedra Medycyny Społecznej i Zapobiegawczej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi. office@cindi.org.pl

Przeglad Lekarski
|May 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Arterial hypertension is common in Polish seniors, with many undertreated. Effective blood pressure control remains a challenge, highlighting the need for better management strategies in the elderly population.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The aging Polish population presents increasing healthcare demands, with chronic diseases like arterial hypertension being highly prevalent among seniors.
  • Arterial hypertension (HA) is a leading cause of morbidity in the elderly, necessitating a thorough understanding of its characteristics and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize hypertension in the elderly Polish population.
  • To analyze associated risk factors, complications, and therapeutic control of arterial hypertension in seniors.
  • To provide insights for improving healthcare strategies for elderly individuals with hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study conducted in 2002 in Lodz, Poland, as part of the CINDI WHO Programme.
  • Random sampling of 1460 residents aged 65 years and older, with a response rate of 57%.
  • Data collection included questionnaire interviews, blood pressure measurements, anthropometric and physical examinations, ECG, and laboratory tests from 828 participants.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of hypertension was high (79% in men, 82% in women), with a mean systolic BP of 147.6 mmHg and diastolic BP of 83.6 mmHg.
  • Only 28% of treated hypertensive patients achieved normalized blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg).
  • Hypertensive seniors exhibited higher rates of obesity, visceral obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular events, and utilized healthcare services more frequently.

Conclusions:

  • Arterial hypertension is highly prevalent and inadequately controlled in the elderly Polish population.
  • Hypertension in seniors is associated with significant cardiovascular risks and increased healthcare utilization.
  • Improved management and therapeutic control strategies are crucial for this demographic.

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