Objective: To assess the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension and its attributing factors in Heilongjiang province and establish a comprehensive basis for the prevention and control of hypertension in this region.
Methods: Using the stratified chunk method, a survey lasting 50 years was conducted on a sample of 299 677 (including 158 782 males and 140 895 females) patients, aged 15 and above, residing in both rural and urban areas of Heilongjiang province from 1958 to 2007. Both blood pressure measurement and analysis on attributing factors of hypertension were carried out in 1958, 1979, 1991, 1999 and 2007.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in Heilongjiang than in other provinces. It elevated annually, reaching a 3-fold increase in 50 years with an accelerating pace (17.06% to 25.69%) in the recent 8 years. Among the people examined, the prevalence of hypertension increased with aging. Furthermore, the prevalence of hypertension varied among different professions. Office workers had the highest prevalence (41.67%). Compared with; female population, male participants had a much higher prevalence before the age of 55 (P<0.0001). Body mass index, gender, hypertriglyceridemia, age, low-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and family history were identified as major risk factors for the development of hypertension in Heilongjiang province. However, the awareness (48.90%), treatment (25.33%) and control (4.32%) rates of hypertension in this region were relatively low.
Conclusion: The results of the present study identified Heilongjiang province as a high-risk region for hypertension. It also suggests the necessity to plan and implement actions for the effective prevention and treatment of hypertension in this region.