Prevalence of hypertension and its trends in Chinese populations

Int J Cardiol. 1995 Nov 10;52(1):39-44. doi: 10.1016/0167-5273(95)02443-z.

Abstract

The third nation-wide survey of blood pressure level and hypertension was carried out in China in 1991. In total, 950,356 residents aged > or = 15 years were examined. Sampling population were composed of half urban and half rural from 27 provinces or autonomous regions and three municipalities. The results showed that: (1) the age-adjusted prevalence rate of hypertension (systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mmHg) was 11.26% (male 12.15%, female 10.32%) and the definite hypertension rate (systolic blood pressure > or = 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > or = 95 mmHg, or on medication) was 5.29% (male 5.38%, female 5.21%); rate of borderline hypertension was evaluated from 2.82% to 6.15% during the 10-year period from 1979/1980 to 1991; (2) the prevalence rate was progressively increased with age, especially after age 35; prevalence rates were generally higher in men than women before about age 44, however by age 60, women had a higher prevalence of hypertension; (3) a general trend of decrease in prevalence from north-eastern to south-western China was confirmed; (4) there were significantly lower rates in rural than in urban areas. Results of preliminary analysis for prevalence of hypertension among different occupations, nationalities, and educational levels were presented.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Hypertension / ethnology
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Sex Distribution
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Population