Isolated systolic hypertension: declining prevalence in the elderly

Isolated systolic hypertension is a prevalent condition among elderly U.S. residents of all age, sex, and race groups. In a population-based survey conducted on 4,672 adult residents of Georgia in 1981, prevalence rates were considerably below those noted in earlier surveys, such as Baldwin County, Georgia (1962), National Health Examination Series I (1960-1962), Evans County, Georgia (1967-1969), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (1971-1974) and/or II (1976-1980). The lower 1981 prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension in Georgia was observed in association with a much greater likelihood of anti-hypertensive therapy in adult and elderly patients. The overall trend for early and more aggressive therapy of diastolic hypertension might account for less arterial rigidity and occurrence of isolated systolic hypertension in later life.