Background Age and gender are important,but not-modi- fiable factors influencing blood pressure.The aim of our study was to evaluate effectiveness of action on prevention SPES (Southern Poland Epidemiological Survey)among persons with a high risk for coronary heart disease in dependence on age and gender.
Material and methods An examined population consisted of 992 randomly selected subjects from 7965 participants of action on prevention SPES,who had carried an increased risk for coronary heart disease.There were 771 men (77,7%)aged 64 ±7 year (range 38 – 86)and 221 women (22,3%)aged 66 ±7 years (range 42 – 82).Age,gender and blood pressure measurements were analyzed.Blood pressure changes between initial and repeat measurements were evaluated in five age-related groups:£ 55,56 –60,61 –65,66 –70 and above 70 years of age,and separately in men and women.
Results The prevalence of arterial hypertension did not differ between age-related groups initially and varied between 88%and 91%.Isolated systemic hypertension rose along with increasing age,and was observed in every tenth subject of 55 years old or less,and every fourth after 70 year of age. After 3 years,a significant reduction of the prevalence of hypertension was noticed in subjects £ 60 years old (about 20%).Blood pressure measurements indicating I and III degree hypertension were especially reduced.In he elderly subjects blood pressure reduction was less clear (~10%), instead an increase of isolated systolic hypertension was observed (up to 40%).The prevalence of hypertension was higher among women (93%)compared to men (88%)with an unfavourable distribution.1/3 out of women had III °, while among men I °hypertension was mostly observed.In the repeated study,despite a significant reduction of increased BP measurements,women had hypertension still more frequent han men (86 vs.77%).The greatest reduction of BP was observed among subjects with the highest initial values.So,the BP reduction was found in 53%out of women with III °and in 45%out of men with I °hypertension.The increase of isolated systolic hypertension was seen independently of gender (in women 69%,in men 62%).
Conclusions The results of our study indicate the usefulness of action on prevention among subjects with high risk for coronary heart disease.They indicate that there is a need for appropriate reduction of increased diastolic blood pressure,but also increased systolic blood pressure.