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[Blood pressure in the aged]
Insights
Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) affects nearly half of individuals over 65. Improved recording and treatment are crucial for this elderly population due to severe health risks.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Focuses on the epidemiology of arterial hypertension in individuals aged 65 and above.
- Utilizes data from an inquiry by the association for the study of problems of the elderly.
- Examines a population sample from Basel and Berne.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of arterial hypertension in the elderly population.
- To assess the current management and control of hypertension in this demographic.
- To highlight areas for improvement in hypertension detection and treatment.
Summary:
- 46% of 480 examined individuals over 65 had diastolic blood pressure >= 95 mmHg.
- Among hypertensive individuals, 40% were treated and controlled, 12% treated but uncontrolled, 13% untreated, and 35% unknown.
- A significant proportion of unknown hypertensive cases indicates a need for better blood pressure monitoring.
Impact:
- Underscores the high prevalence of hypertension in the elderly.
- Emphasizes the serious complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Calls for increased attention to the recording and management of arterial hypertension in older adults.
Abstract:
The study, based on datas of an inquiry by the association for the study of problems of the elderly, shows the epidemiology of arterial hypertension in a population aged over 65 years. 46% of the 48o examined persons from Basel and Berne had diastolic blood pressure values greater than or equal to 95 mmHg. 40% of those hypertensives were treated under control, 12% treated without control, 13% not treated at all, and 35% unknown. The percentage of the unknown hypertensives suggests, that the recording of the increased blood pressure is improvable in this age group. The high prevalence of hypertension in the elderly population as well as the grave consequences complications caused by hypertension should call our attention to the recording and treatment of arterial hypertension in the elderly.