EFFECT OF AGING ON SERUM URIC ACID AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION PREVALENCE-DATA FROM SEPHAR III SURVEY

Abstract

Objective: In the context of dramatically increase of elderly population our study aims to evaluate serum uric acid (SUA) levels and also arterial hypertension prevalence and control, in a representative group of Romanian adult population, considering the influence of age. Design and method: The study sample consists of 1920 adults included in SEPHAR III (Study for the Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and cArdiovascular Risk in Romania) survey (mean age 48.63 years, 52.76% females), out of whom 447 were elderly patients (65 years of age or older). SUA levels, kidney function by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and blood pressure measurements were performed. SUA levels between 2,40 ± 5,70 mg/dl in females and 3,40 ± 7,00 mg/dl in males respectively were considered normal. HT and HT control were defined according to the current guidelines. Results: Adult patients had a significant lower SUA levels, on average with 0.51 mg/dl, compared to elderly patients (4.89 vs. 5.40, p < 0.001) independent of eGFR levels. We also obtained significant statistical difference among the proportion of normotensive and hypertensive in the two groups with the elderly group having a higher proportion of hypertension (67.34% vs. 39.31%, p < 0.001). In terms of blood pressure control, elderly patients had a better control (86.05% vs. 73.40%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Similarly to previous research, in our study, age represented one of the factors contributing to the increased level of serum uric acid. We also obtained an increasing prevalence of arterial hypertension with age but a better control of blood pressure values.