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Published on: February 7, 2014
Isolated systolic hypertension: declining prevalence in the elderly
W McClellan1, W D Hall, D Brogan
1Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Preventive Medicine
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension decreased in Georgia by 1981, linked to increased anti-hypertensive therapy. Early treatment of diastolic hypertension may reduce later arterial rigidity and systolic hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is common in older U.S. adults.
- Previous surveys indicated higher ISH prevalence in Georgia.
- ISH affects all age, sex, and race demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of ISH in Georgia adults in 1981.
- To compare 1981 ISH rates with historical data from Georgia and national surveys.
- To investigate factors associated with observed ISH prevalence changes.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey of 4,672 adult residents in Georgia.
- Data collection conducted in 1981.
- Comparison of prevalence rates with historical survey data.
Main Results:
- The 1981 prevalence of ISH in Georgia was lower than in previous surveys.
- Increased use of anti-hypertensive therapy was noted in adult and elderly patients in 1981.
- Lower ISH prevalence correlated with greater likelihood of anti-hypertensive therapy.
Conclusions:
- Early and aggressive treatment of diastolic hypertension may reduce arterial rigidity.
- This therapeutic trend might contribute to lower rates of ISH in later life.
- Public health initiatives and clinical practices impact hypertension prevalence trends.
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