Prevalence of high blood pressure measured in the Brazilian population, National Health Survey, 2013

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most frequent cause of morbidity and a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications. The aim here was to describe the prevalence of blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg in the adult Brazilian population and federal states, along with self-reported information about previous medical diagnoses of hypertension, use of medication and medical care for hypertension control. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study analyzing information from the National Health Survey of 2013, relating to Brazil and its federal states. METHODS: The sample size was estimated as 81,254 households and information was collected from 64,348 households. The survey consisted of interviews, physical and laboratory measurements. Systolic blood pressure was considered to be high when it was >= 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure, >= 90 mmHg. RESULTS: It was found that 22.8% of the population has blood pressure measurements >= 140/90 mmHg. The proportion was higher among men than among women: 25.8% versus 20.0%. The frequency increased with age, reaching 47.1% in individuals over 75 years and was highest in the southeast and south. 43.2% reported previous medical diagnoses of hypertension and, of these, 81.4% reported using medication for hypertension and 69.6%, going to the doctor within the past year for pressure monitoring, thus showing regular medical follow-up. CONCLUSION: These results are important for supporting measures for preventing and treating hypertension in Brazil, with the aim of achieving the World Health Organization's goal of reducing hypertension by 25% over the next decade.