Arterial hypertension in the elderly

Arterial hypertension is an important health problem due to its involvement in cardiovascular morbi-mortality and high prevalence especially in the population over 60 years of age. The objective of this study is to characterize arterial hypertension in elderly residents in the health area served at the Policlínico Comunitario Docente Área Centro of Sancti Spíritus municipality. The following variables were studied: age sex skin color risk factors classifications comorbidity manifestations in target organs and treatment used. Data were collected by reviewing individual clinical histories. They were computerized and expressed by absolute and relative frequency distribution for a better understanding. The most relevant results were: higher frequency of hypertensive elderly in the eighth decade of life predominantly female sex white skin; sedentary lifestyle smoking habit and family history of hypertension. Arterial hypertension was identified as a health problem in the population studied.