A study on systemic arterial hypertension in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To detect the actual prevalence of systemic hypertension in the city of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, and frequent factors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study with a randomized sample of the adult population of the city of Campo Grande, MS, in a total of 892 individuals. A questionnaire on age, gender, level of education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and aspects of the treatment was applied. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were collected. According to the WHO, a BMI<25 kg/m2 was considered normal weight; 25>BMI<30 overweight; and BMI> 30 obesity. Criteria for hypertension were based on the JNC VII report, with blood pressure cut-off values of 140 x 90 mmHg.


RESULTS
The prevalence of hypertension was 41.4%, varying with age (up to 29 years: 11.8%; 30-39: 24.8%; 40-49: 43.3%; 50-59: 42.4%; 60-69: 48.6% and > 70: 62.3%). A higher prevalence was observed among men (51.8%), whereas among women the prevalence was 33.1%. Individuals with basic level of education tended to present higher rates. Among overweight and obese individuals, a higher prevalence of hypertension was observed: normal BMI (27.9%), overweight (45.6%) and obesity (58.6%). Above 60 years of age, a higher percentage of isolated systolic hypertension was observed, with 16.4% (60-69 years) and 24.6% (>70 years). Daily or weekly alcohol consumption was also related to a higher incidence, of 63.2% and 47.2%, respectively. Only 59.7% were known to be hypertensive. Of the hypertensive individuals, 57.3% were undergoing some type of treatment. Of those undergoing regular treatment, 60.5% presented hypertension.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of hypertension was 41.4%, therefore higher than the average verified in some studies. This calls the attention for worsened epidemiologic conditions and cardiovascular repercussions, thus showing the need for higher public investment on education and orientation of these population groups as regards prevention.
de Souza
Ana Rita Araújo
AR
Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e da Região do Pantanal, Hospital Beneficente Santa Casa de Campo Grande, Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
Costa
Anselmo
A
Nakamura
Diogo
D
Mocheti
Leandro Nascimento
LN
Stevanato Filho
Paulo Roberto
PR
Ovando
Luiz Alberto
LA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged