[Prevalence of arterial hypertension in Piracicaba City].
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) in the population (15 years-old or above) as well as its relationship with some cardiac disease risk factors.


METHODS
One thousand and nine hundred individuals (approximately 1.5% of the local population) were submitted to blood pressure sampling (Cochran technic). Age, gender, race, profession, social status, family history of AH, alcohol intake, cigarette and salt consumption were all analysed by means of proper questionnaires.


RESULTS
Values of 140 X90 mmHg or above were present in 32.7%. Only 10% of these individuals were already receiving antihypertensive drugs. Social classes C and D had the main share (71%). Men and women had similar share (33% and 32%, respectively). The majority were above 51 years of age (58%) and blacks summed up 37% of the AH population.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence (32.7%) of AH in Piracicaba far exceeded average international prevalence. This finding is addressed to higher presence of risk factors (stress, obesity, cigarette and alcohol habits, other diseases and family background).
Ayres
J E
JE
SUDS-R-47, Piracicaba, SP.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
Prevalência da hipertensão arterial na cidade de Piracicaba.