بررسي شيوع پرفشاري خون در افراد مسن شهر شيراز

Prevalence of Hypertension in EIderly Population of Shiraz

Background and Objectives:Improved sanitary and medical services lead to an increased life expectancy. The prevalence of hypertension grows higher with aging. Many studies confirm that the treatment of hypertension is very effective in decreasing cardiovascular side effects even in systolic hypertensions. In this study the prevalence of hypertension in people >60 years old was determined. Results were compared with the group aged 13-34 years old. Materials and Methods: Well-trained interns referred to randomly selected families. Measurements of blood pressure in sitting and supine position, arm circumference, height and weight done in two groups >60 and 13- 34 year-old persons. The results analyzed by t-test, paired t-test, and chi-square. Results: From 2496 persons whom we studied 533 were >60 years old and 1963 were in the range of 13-34 with prevalence of hypertension 66.4% and 10.1% respectively. 33.9% of elderly people and 86.4% of the youth were unaware of being hypertensive. The comparison of BM1, arm circumference, weight in hypertensive and healthy groups showed significant difference in all parameters. Conclusion: Hypertension was asymptomatic in considerable percentage of whom they were studied and is a major risk factor for deaths and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, any lapse in diagnosis and treatment increases the mortality rate. Our study suggestsa periodic measurement of blood pressure especially among eldery people.