Characteristics of an elderly hypertensive population assisted at a family health unit

Abstract

This investigation aimed at learning about the characteristics of an elderly population with arterial hypertension. It is a transversal study that involved 57 individuals and was performed at a Family Health Unit in the city of Fortaleza-CE. The collection of data occurred from April to May, 2007 by applying a questionnaire on age, gender, income, family history of arterial hypertension, daily health habits and information on medical treatment. Results highlighted that 54.5% were between 60-69 years of age; 95% had a minimum-wage income; 75.5% were women; 49% were sedentary; 52.6% had three meals a day; 50.8% reported arterial hypertension cases in the family; 80.7% knew about the disease, and 96.5% followed the medical treatment. It was concluded that the old aged studied needed guidance with regard to watching the group of aspects concer­ning arterial hypertension and, thus, prevent complications resulting from this disease.