Epidemiological status quo of hypertension in elderly population in Changchun, China: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To investigate the epidemiological status quo of hypertension in elderly population in Changchun, China, and provide a reference for the prevention and control strategies of hypertension of elderly population in this region. Design A cross-sectional study, as a part of a comprehensive project in Northeast China, was designed to perform in 10 districts in Changchun. Participants and setting A total of 6846 participants who were >= 60 years old were selected using a random sampling method. Main outcome measures The epidemiological status quo of hypertension. Results The prevalence of hypertension in Changchun was 52.6%. Among participants with hypertension enrolled in this study, 87.6% of the participants had been diagnosed with hypertension before the study, 69.1% was taking antihypertensive medications and 66.9% had effective blood pressure control. Obesity, widower/widow, history of diseases and family history of hypertension were risk factors of hypertension (all p<0.05). Participants with obesity, a personal history of heart coronary disease, or a family history of hypertension were susceptible to realising risks of hypertension (all p<0.05). However, participants with diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, or a family history of hypertension were difficult to control blood pressure within the normal range (all p<0.05). In addition, 92.6% participants taking antihypertensive medications used a single medication, and calcium channel blockers was the most commonly used antihypertensive medications in monotherapy. Conclusion The rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension are greater in Changchun than those in China, indicating that the prevention and control of hypertension in Changchun are effective. However, the prevalence of hypertension in the elderly population in China is lower than that in Changchun, also rendering Changchun a substantial challenge for the supervision of hypertension.