Epidemiological profile of hypertensives in the elderly in Brazil: an integrative review

Abstract

The increase in the elderly population has direct consequences on public health systems, since old age is more closely linked to pathological conditions that compromise some systems, such as the vascular system, for example. Thus, with aging, the individual is susceptible to more morbidities such as hypertension, which is highlighted as a risk factor for quality of life and decline in cognitive function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of hypertensive and elderly patients enrolled in the Hiperdia program and residents of Brazilian states. Its association with the main risk factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle and overweight were analyzed. This is an integrative review of the literature, composed of publications related to the years 2012 to 

May 2016, in Portuguese, English or Spanish, indexed from the
Virtual Health Library portal, VHL, in the following databases:
LILACS; BDENF, MEDLINE and SCIELO. Hypertension is common in the elderly and its prevalence is increased by aging, thus conditioning the morbidity and mortality of this population. Among the major risk factors found in research and studies are the high waist circumference, overweight and often the consumption of saturated fats. In addition to these, there is the habit of smoking, drinking alcohol and doing irregular exercise. It should be noted that most studies suggest that older women are the most impaired public. Finally, the Hiperdia program is decisive for improving the quality of life, since it regulates medical care and provides both control and signals for problems that may occur within the
assisted population and must be from the society and the state and efforts to improve this program.