Arterial Hypertension Prevalence in Moscow in Different Time Intervals

Objective. To assess population mean blood pressure (BP), prevalence, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension from 1975 to 2001 depending on the socio-demographic indicators Design and methods. Seven independent cross-sectional population surveys were conducted in 1975–2001 with randomly selected men (10094) and women (3527) aged 25–64 years old,Moscow residents, with response > 70 %. We have combined data from studies performed in Soviet period, «the period of perestroika» and post-Soviet period. Results. Systolic BP (SBP) has increased from «Soviet period» to «the period of perestroika» in men by 2,5 mmHg (р < 0,05), and in women by 5 mmHg (р < 0,001). Diastolic BP (DBP) has increased among men (from 87,0 to 87,8 mmHg, р < 0,02), and among women (from 81,5 to 87,2 mmHg, р < 0,001). In the late 90’s SBP has decreased (in women from 137,5 to 130,1 mmHg, р < 0,02), DBP has decreased (in men — to 85,1 mmHg, р < 0,02, and in women — to 81,3 mmHg, р < 0,005). There was a statistically signifi cant increase in the prevalence of arterial hypertension from «Soviet period» to «the period of perestroika» (from 46,5 to 49,2 % in men; from 38,7 to 50,3 % in women, р < 0,001). In the post-Soviet period it has decreased among men to 39,8 % and among women to 32,7 % (р < 0,04). The rate of adherence to antihypertensive medications has increased (in men from 6,2 to 19,4 %, р < 0,001; and in women from 15,5 to 26,6 %, р < 0,001). The proportion of effectively treated hypertension has decreased (in men from 35,7 to 23,4 %, and in women from 36,9 to 31,7 %). Control of hypertension improved signifi cantly from 3,6 to 5,8 % (р < 0,01). Conclusion. The prevalence of arterial hypertension remains high. The main objective of physicians is to increase the number of effectively treated patients and to achieve target levels of blood pressure.