Prevalence and Management of Arterial Hypertension in a Population Sample of Swedish Women

Blood pressure measurements were performed in a comprehensive population study of women in Göteborg, Sweden, which was carried out in 1968-69. Altogether 1 462 women were studied in five age strata between 38 and 60 years of age. They were representative for the ages studied. The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 18%, if those with systolic blood pressure greater than 160 mmHg or diastobolic blood pressure greater than 95 mmHg or both and all on antihypertensive treatment are defined as hypertensives. The percentages increased from 5% of women aged 38, to 49% of women aged 60. Out of those defined as hypertensives, 74% were not receiving antihypertensive treatment, and among those on treatment 61% had systolic blood pressures greater than 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressures greater than 95 mmHg, or both.