BackgroundThe 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.ObjectiveTo verify rates of prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension in
elderly people living in the urban area of a Brazilian capital city.MethodsA 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%.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionThe 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.