Effects of Reduced Sodium Intake on Hypertension Control in Older Individuals

Abstract

HYPERTENSION and its treatment with medication are extremely common in the elderly. According to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted between 1988 and 1991, the prevalence of hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 140 mm Hg or more, a diastolic BP of 90 mm Hg or more, or treatment with medication, exceeds 50% in the civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 60 years and older.¹ In certain subgroups, hypertension is nearly ubiquitous. For example, the prevalence of hypertension among African American women aged 60 to 69 years is 78%. Medication use is also highly prevalent in the elderly, ranging from 31% of Mexican American women with hypertension 70 years and older to 70% of African American women with hypertension 70 years and older.