Resumo

BUSTOS SALDANA, Rafael et al. Arterial hypertension in the elderly from the western region of Mexico. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2004, vol.20, n.5-6. ISSN 0864-2125.

The main objective of this paper was to identify the fundamental characteristics appearing in the medical records of the hypertensive patients over 65. To this end, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 34 074 medical records of the patients ascribed to the Zonal General Hospital with Family Medicine No. 9, located in Guzmán City, Jalisco, México.552 medical records were found, with an age of 73.81 6.58 years old. 64.3 % corresponded to females. These records date from 11.22 6.58 years. 9.4% had family history of arterial hypertension. 59.7 % were affected with diabetes mellitus as an added disease. 53.4 % were suggested dietetic indications and 7.75 % physical exercises. The main drugs used were the angiotensin converting enzime inhibitors. Each patients took 5.43 2.85 drugs, with a total of 18.8 3.4 pills or spoons daily. The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension in patients over 65 was of less than 2 % of the population in general. The hypertensive elderly presented chronical diseases in more than half of the studied patients. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent. The patients consume multiple drugs for the control of their affections. The extraordinarily high ingestion of drugs may lead them to a greater index of morbidity and mortality.

Palavras-chave : Arterial hypertension; elderly; systemic arterial hypertension.