Prevalence of Hypertension and Related Risk Factors in the Elderly: Data from the 4th Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007~2009

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension, and to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension in elderly (over 65 years old) Koreans, using data from the 4th Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (the 4th KNHANES), 2007~2009. A total of 1,887 participants were analyzed for assessing the risk factors after excluding those who took hypertension medicines or underwent diet therapy (hypertension perceivers). On the other hand, in analyzing prevalence, a total of 3,526 people were analyzed, including hypertension perceivers. Hypertension was more frequently found in female (64.1%) and urban (62.0%) groups compared to male (55.6%) and rural (57.4%) groups. The mean age of the hypertensive group was significantly higher than that of normal group. The mean values of total cholesterol levels were also significantly higher in the hypertensive group, while body weight, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol were not. Multiple logistic regression showed that smoking was significantly related to the prevalence of hypertension, but alcohol drinking, stress, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, anemia, and nutrient intakes were not. The results of this study does not support clear relations of hypertension with chronic diseases including obesity, hyperlipidemia, anemia, and diabetes as well as nutrient intakes among a Korean elderly population. A prospective long-term research study is needed to establish the effects of these factors on hypertension.