Trends in blood pressure and hypertension among older adults and oldest-old individuals in China between 2008-2018.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the trends in blood pressure (BP) levels and the corresponding prevalence of hypertension among elderly individuals in China from 2008 to 2018. This serial cross-sectional analysis was based on data from the last four waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (N = 38086). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess linear trends in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP). Logistic regression was used to examine trends in the prevalence of hypertension across the four waves. An ordinal regression model was used to assess risk factors for BP status. From 2008 to 2018, an increase of 0.8-3.3% in BP and at least an 8.2% increase in the prevalence of hypertension were observed among older adults and oldest-old adults (aged 65-79 years and ≥ 80 years) (all Ptrend < 0.001). Furthermore, the increasing magnitude of the prevalence of hypertension in the participants aged 65-79 years was greater than that in those aged ≥ 80 years. Region, BMI and living alone were factors associated with different BP statuses. After adjustment for demographic and behavioral characteristics, an increasing trend in mean SBP and PP was found in both men and women, whereas the mean DBP increased only in men. A significant increase occurred in hypertension prevalence, SBP and PP, whereas DBP remained stable in elderly Chinese individuals from 2008 to 2018. Comprehensive strategies need to be implemented for the prevention and management of hypertension among older adults in China.