[Prevalence of hypertension in Valparaíso. Results of the base survey of the CARMEN project (Set of measures for the multifactorial reduction of non-transmissible diseases)].

BACKGROUND: There is little information about the real prevalence of hypertension in Chile. AIM: To assess the adjusted prevalence of hypertension and its main therapeutic measures among adults living in Valparaiso, Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of dwellings in Valparaiso was chosen. Among these, an individual of 25 to 64 years old was randomly surveyed for risk factors for chronic diseases and sociodemographic parameters. Blood pressure, weight, height, oral glucose tolerance test, fasting cholesterol and triglycerides were also measured. Prevalence was pondered according to age, sex, and probability of selection in the dwelling interior. RESULTS: Three thousand one hundred twelve individuals were studied. The adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 11.4% (11.6% among females and 10.6% among men). The prevalence increased along with age from 3 and 1.9% in men and women of 25 to 34 years old respectively, to 18.2 and 27.4% among men and women of 55 to 64 years old (p < 0.01). People of low socioeconomic level had a higher prevalence of hypertension than those of high socioeconomic level (14.2 and 9.3% respectively, P < 0.05). Diabetes, obesity and hypercholesterolemia were significantly more frequent in subjects with hypertension than in the general population. Forty-four percent of diagnosed hypertensives were receiving medications (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors 40%, calcium antagonists 34%, beta blockers 22%). Twenty five percent of patients were treated with a combination of medications. Of those treated, only 22% had normal blood pressure levels at the moment of examination. CONCLUSIONS: High blood pressure is an important public health problem that requires more efficient detection and treatment programs.