Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment and Control in Older Adults in a Brazilian Capital City

Sousa, Ana Luiza Lima; Batista, Sandro Rodrigues; Sousa, Andrea Cristina; Pacheco, Jade Alves S; Vitorino, Priscila Valverde de Oliveira; Pagotto, Valéria

Abstract Background:

The diagnosis, treatment and control of arterial hypertension are fundamental for a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes, especially in the elderly. In Brazil, there are few studies that specifically identified these rates in the elderly population.

Objective:

To verify rates of prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension in elderly people living in the urban area of a Brazilian capital city.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, population-based, randomized, cluster-based study with 912 non-institutionalized elderly individuals (≥ 60 years), living in urban areas in the city of Goiania, Midwest Brazil.

Predictor variables were:

age, gender, socioeconomic and lifestyle aspects. Blood pressure measurements were performed at home; patients were considered as having arterial hypertension when SBP and/or DBP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or when using antihypertensive drugs (dependent variable). Rates of hypertension treatment and control were evaluated. Variable association analyses were performed by multivariate logistic regression and level of significance was set at 5%.

Results:

The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 74.9%, being higher (78.6%) in men (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.04-1.92); the treatment rate was 72.6%, with higher rates being observed in smokers (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.28-3.33). The rate of hypertension control was 50.8%,being higher in women (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.19-2.08).

Conclusion:

The prevalence rates were high. Treatment and control rates were low and associated with gender, age and lifestyle, indicating the need for early and individual interventions.

Resumo Fundamento:

O diagnóstico, tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial são fundamentais para a redução de eventos cardiovasculares, especialmente em idosos. No Brasil são escassos os estudos que identificaram essas taxas especificamente na população idosa.

Objetivo:

Verificar a prevalência, taxas de tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial entre idosos da zona urbana de uma capital brasileira.

Métodos:

Estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostragem aleatória por conglomerado, realizado com 912 idosos (maiores de 60 anos), residentes na zona urbana de Goiânia.

Variáveis preditoras:

idade, sexo, aspectos socioeconômicos e estilo de vida. Medidas da pressão arterial (PA) realizada em domicílio; hipertensão arterial (HA) igual a PA sistólica e/ou diastólica maior ou igual a 140/90mmHg ou usando anti-hipertensivos (variável dependente). Foram avaliadas taxas de tratamento e controle de HA. Análise de associação dos desfechos com regressão logística multivariada e nível de significância de 5%.

Resultados:

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial total foi de 74,9%, sendo maior entre os homens 78,6% (OR 1,4; IC95%1,04-1,92); A taxa de tratamento foi de 72,6%, com taxas superiores entre os fumantes (OR 2,06; IC 95% 1,28-3,33). A taxa de controle total foi de 50,8%, maior entre as mulheres (OR 1,57; IC 95% 1,19- 2,08).

Conclusões:

As taxas de prevalência foram elevadas. Taxas de tratamento e controle foram baixas e mostraram associação com sexo, faixa etária e estilo de vida, indicando necessidade de intervenções precoces e individuais.