Prevalence of hypertension and its trends in Chinese populations

The third nation-wide survey of blood pressure level and hypertension was carried out in China in 1991. In total, 950 356 residents aged greater than or equal to 15 years were examined. Sampling populations 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 greater than or equal to 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg) was 11.26% (male 12.15%, female 10.32%) and the definite hypertension rate (systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 95 mmHg, or on medication) was 5.29% (male 5.38%, female 5.21%); rate of borderline hypertension was elevated 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.