Prevalence and factors associated with isolated systolic hypertension among middle-aged adults and older Filipinos: a...

Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), defined as blood pressure of ≥140/<90 mmHg, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications yet few estimates of prevalence are recorded globally. Data on blood pressure measurements of adult Filipinos were taken as one of the variables in the National Nutrition Survey; however, the prevalence of ISH and its associated risk factors has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with ISH among middle-aged (40-59 years) and older (60 and above) Filipinos.

A secondary data analysis of the cross-sectional survey design of the 2018, 2019, and 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) was utilised in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors significantly associated with ISH.

The prevalence of ISH from the pooled data was 9.10% (95% CI: 8.68-9.53) and increased significantly with age. After adjustment, multivariable analysis identified several factors significantly associated with ISH, the factors included: age, with those 70 years old of age or older exhibiting the highest odds [AOR 11.71 (95% CI: 8.38-16.35)], having little to no formal education [AOR 1.39 (95% CI: 1.18-1.64)], the presence of diabetes [AOR 1.62 (95% CI: 1.38-1.90)], or prediabetic [AOR 1.37 (95 CI: 1.13-1.66)], a family history of hypertension [AOR 2.26 (95% CI: 2.03-2.52)], and current alcohol drinker [AOR 1.24 (95% CI: 1.08-1.43)].

ISH was prevalent among middle-aged and older Filipino population across the three survey periods. Given the impact of ISH on cardiovascular outcomes, these findings may provide crucial data on its prevalence and determinants, which can assist policymakers in formulating targeted interventions centred on lifestyle modifications.