Introduction:
High blood pressure (HBP) is the main cardiovascular risk factor, it is more prevalent
in the older adult population, and the prevalence can vary between ethnic groups.
Objective:
To estimate the prevalence of HBP, knowledge, treatment and control in population
aged ≥60 years, resident in Colombia, according to their ethnic condition.
Methods:
Population sample selected by multistage sampling. Ethnicity was defined based on
skin color. HBP was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140, and/or diastolic blood
pressure ≥90 mm Hg, and/or the participants’ self-report. Controlled HBP at a blood
pressure value <140/90, knowledge and treatment were identified by self-report.
Results:
23,694 adults aged ≥ 60 years were included, of which 54.5%, 34.5% and 10.9% were
respectively identified as having light, medium or dark skin color; 54.5% were women,
and 78.1% resided in urban areas. The standardized prevalence of HBP, by age, was
57.7% (95% CI: 55.2 - 60.2); 51.4% (95% CI: 47.3-55. 5), in men; and 62.9% (60.9-
64.9), in women. The standardized prevalence for light, medium and dark skin in men
was 53.2% (95% CI: 48.7-57.7), 49.6% (44.5-54.7), and 49.4% (95% CI: 41.0-57.8)
respectively; and in women was 62.5% (95% CI: 60.5-64 , 5), 61.7% (95% CI: 57.8-
65.6), and 69.9% (95% CI: 63.6-76.2) respectively. 98% of the population received
treatment, and 93.9% were aware of HBP diagnosis. 42.5% of men and 55.5% of
women with HBP were under control. Only 21.8% performed regular physical activity.
Conclusion:
Half of the adult population aged over 60 years suffers from HBP; the prevalence
is higher in women particularly in dark-skinned women. It is necessary to develop
policies to increase physical activity in the elderly.
Use of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in identifying cardiovascular risk factors in male brazilian adolescents
