Prevalence of hypertension and its trends in Chinese populations

The third nation-wide survey of blood pressure level and hypertension was carried out in China in 1991. In total, 950 356 residents aged ≥ 15 years were examined. Sampling populations were composed of half urban and half rural from 27 provinces or autonomous regions and three municipalities. The results showed that: (1) the age-adjusted prevalence rate of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg) was 11.26% (male 12.15%, female 10.32%) and the definite hypertension rate (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95 mmHg, or on medication) was 5.29% (male 5.38%, female 5.21%); rate of borderline hypertension was elevated from 2.82% to 6.15% during the 10-year period from 1979/1980 to 1991; (2) the prevalence rate was progressively increased with age, especially after age 35; prevalence rates were generally higher in men than women before about age 44, however by age 60, women had a higher prevalence of hypertension; (3) a general trend of decrease in prevalence from north-eastern to south-western China was confirmed; (4) there were significantly lower rates in rural than in urban areas. Results of preliminary analysis for prevalence of hypertension among different occupations, nationalities, and educational levels were presented.