Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Resistant hypertension has been identified as one of the causes for hypertensive patients failing to reach their blood pressure target. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of resistant hypertension amongst elderly hypertensive patients (aged 60 years and above) and the factors associated with resistant hypertension.METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study incorporating a questionnaire was used in this study and was conducted between July 2018 to February 2019. Adherence to anti-hypertensive medication was assessed by using the 14-item Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients aged ≥ 60 years were studied. The mean age was 70.28 ± 6.74 years with 57.8% (n=343) being female. The mean systolic blood pressure was 144.93 ± 14.12 mmHg while the mean diastolic blood pressure was 77.67 ± 8.64 mmHg. The proportion of patients with resistant hypertension was 66.3% (394/594). In univariate analysis, factors found to significantly associated with the presence of resistant hypertension were gender, educational level and age (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, it was found that older age and those of a lower educational level were determinants of having resistant hypertension. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of resistant hypertension among elderly patients was very high. Groups found to have a higher risk of developing resistant hypertension should be targeted during health campaigns or consultations.