Analysis on associated factors of uncontrolled hypertension among elderly hypertensive patients in Southern China: a community-based, cross-sectional survey

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in China has risen dramatically in recent decades, but it is not well understood if hypertension is adequately controlled in the elderly population in Southern China. A provincial survey was performed in order to estimate the prevalence of hypertension control and the associated factors in the elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 6 community health service centers across 12 counties in Southern China from October 2010 to April 2011. Recruitment included a total of 10644 hypertensive subjects aged 60 or older. Basic lab tests and physical examinations were administrated on each subject. In addition, each subject completed a standardized questionnaire. Results: The 10644 participants (mean age of 70.3 years) included 5527 women (51.9%), 5117 men (48.1%), 3148 overweight subjects (29.57%), 846 (7.95%) obese subjects, 1654 smokers (15.54%) and 1750 consumers of alcohol (16.44%). The control, treatment and awareness of hypertension were 44.6%, 50.3% and 46.3%, respectively. Most treated hypertensives (68.57%) used combination therapy of antihypertensive medications, and those using long-acting antihypertensive medications had a higher rate of adequately controlled hypertension. Results showed that elderly, living in rural and suburban areas, low education level, family history of hypertension, smoking, excessive salt consumption, lack of physical activity, overweight, obese and diabetes were associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusions: Lack of adequate hypertension control is relatively high among the elderly in Southern China. Hypertension awareness and early treatment are needed in this population, especially among suburban population, as well as adopting appropriate antihypertensive medication therapy and healthy lifestyles.