Fatores de risco para hipertensão arterial sistêmica em idosas de um centro de referência

Introduction: There is evidence that as individuals age, chronic non communicable diseases become the leading causes of morbidity, disability, and mortality worldwide. Objective: This study aimed to identify risk factors for systemic arterial hypertension in the elderly of a Center for Reference and Care for the Elderly. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study is nestled in the Longitudinal Study of the Center for Reference and Attention to the Elderly (Elo-Creati). The risk factors investigated were: alcohol consumption, tobacco use, family history of systemic arterial hypertension, level of physical activity and nutritional status. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were also investigated. Data analysis was performed using absolute and relative simple frequencies, and Chi-square test. Results: A total of 313 elderly women were evaluated, 262 (84.5%) were white, the majority ranging from 60 to 69 years old (57.2%; n=179) and belonging to economic class B (52.1%; n=162). From all female elderly participants in this study, 187 (59.9%) reported systemic arterial hypertension, and the associated factors were: economic class, BMI and level of physical activity (p<0.05). Conclusion: Among the risk factors studied, family history of hypertension, overweight and physical inactivity were more prevalent. Thus, actions of public agencies and private sectors are suggested to effective face this reality.