Trends in prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension, awareness, treatment, control and cardiovascular risk factors in relatively large sample of Iranian menopausal women: 2001-2016

Abstract

Background prehypertension and hypertension are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Despite its importance, hypertension is often underestimated and undiagnosed, especially in women. This study was designed to determine trends in prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension, awareness, treatment, control and cardiovascular risk factors among the Iranian menopausal women. Methods This repeated Cross-sectional study was conducted on 8073 individuals which 1013 of these subjects were menopausal women older than 40, in Iran, in the years of 2001, 2007 and 2016. Samples were selected through random, multistage, cluster sampling. The data collected by the questionnaire included clinical information and blood pressure was determined via arm digital blood pressure monitors. Results The prevalence of hypertension was in the years 2001, 2007 and 2016, respectively % 52.6, % 49.0 and % 51.6, no significant changes were observed(p=0.628). The prevalence of Prehypertension over these years (% 56.6, %.53.3 and % 42.2) was significantly decreased (p=0.006). The Trends of awareness (p=0.015), treatment (p=0.009) and control (p<0.001) of hypertension in menopausal women with high blood pressure has significantly increased. Despite the increasing trends of drug treatment for hypertension, hypertension is uncontrolled in more than a third of subjects. Hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and Body mass index increased significantly from 2001 to 2016 among the menopausal women. Conclusions The results showed that hypertension and Prehypertension are highly prevalent among Iranian menopausal women and markedly increased with age. Interventional population-based approaches are needed to improve knowledge and efficient practice that may help lower the risk for hypertension and CVD among this at risk population.