[PP02: 06] THE BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS IN ELDERLY HYPERTENSIVES. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Popescu, L.; Balan, H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 34:(2016) Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000491667.80816.18
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The non-pharmacological treatment and the compliance to it are essential in high blood pressure. All hypertensive patients should be informed and counseled concerning the non-pharmacological measures imposed by guidelines. The aim of our study was to analyze the behavioral patterns in elderly patients with arterial hypertension. Design and method: We included 64 consecutive patients with hypertension aged over 65years (medium age 72 ± 7 years) from The Department of Internal Medicine. The analysis of behavioral patterns was conducted based on a prepared questionnaire. Results: Most patients (81.25%) had a long standing disease and treatment (over 5 years). Only 75% of elderly hypertensives were able to indicate the correct values of arterial blood pressure, and only 62.5% of them were able to measure their own blood pressure. 15.6% from the elderly hypertensives never took or took their blood pressure rarely, 46.8% of the patients took their blood pressure at least once a day, and the rest took their blood pressure occasionally. Regarding treatment 64% of the patients declared that they took their antihypertensive drugs regularly. The remaining patients took the medication only when needed or a few months. Daily physical activity was declared only by 18.7% of the patients, and the main form of exercise was strolling. Only 45.3% of the elderly hypertensives declared that they had knowledge of healthy diet principles, in particular to avoid salt. 59.3% of the participants admitted drinking alcohol, and 20.3% smoked cigarettes. Conclusions: The obtained results revealed that our elderly hypertensives do not know the proper behavioral patterns in case of high blood pressure, and if they know they did not comply with advice concerning the non-pharmacological therapy of arterial hypertension. Our study confirms the necessity of implementing suitable educational programs in this group of elderly patients.