Gender-Specific Differences in Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment, Control, and Associated Conditions among the Elderly: Data from a Greek Population

PURPOSE: In the present study we sought to assess the gender-specific prevalence, treatment rates, and control of hypertension, as well as to identify its associated conditions and additional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, in a Greek population aged > or = 65 years old. METHODS: This is a population-based study including a clinical interview, an ECG recording, and blood pressure (BP) measurements by sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 83.3%, higher in females and increasing with age. In males, hypertension was independently associated with increased body mass index (BMI), a history of stroke, and myocardial infarction, while in females increased age, BMI, and a history of diabetes were independently associated with hypertension. A considerable proportion of hypertensives were treated (77.3%), while an effective control of BP was achieved in 42.5% of treated subjects. Despite the fact that hypertension treatment rates did not differ between the genders, control rates were lower among females. Finally, more hypertensive females presented additional CV risk factors than normotensives. CONCLUSION: Elderly females exhibit a higher prevalence of hypertension and are characterized by lower hypertension control compared to hypertensive males.