Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in an elderly population in Greece

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major public health problem and its prevalence increases with age. Despite an aging population, only a limited number of population-based studies, and fewer Greek studies, have focused exclusively on the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the rural residents of Paliouri village in Greece who were aged 65 years and older. METHODS: In total there were 171 participants (response rate 89.5%). Six blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained in two visits and hypertension was defined as a mean systolic BP >or= 140 mmHg and/or mean diastolic BP >or= 90 mmHg, and/or current use of an antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 89%. Of the 137 hypertensive patients, 89.8% were aware of their disease, 89.1% were receiving treatment, and the hypertension of 32.8% was controlled. Awareness of hypertension was significantly higher among those with a high frequency of BP measurements, a history of coronary or other chronic disease, lower education, and those living with a spouse. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that hypertension is highly prevalent in this Greek elderly population. Similarly high is the awareness and treatment of hypertension. However, the control rates were relatively low, suggesting that the local health system requires a greater orientation to the prevention and control of hypertension.