Hipertensão arterial referida e indicadores antropométricos de gordura em idosos

Different anthropometric indicators of central obesity can predict hypertension in older adults

Objective: to investigate the association between hypertension and anthropometric indicators of central obesity, obtained from two anatomical sites in older adults.Methodology: cross-sectional study that involved 145 older adults, from whom socioeconomic and demographic data and anthropometric indicators of central obesity (waist circumference [CC] and abdominal circumference [CA]) were obtained, which were considered independent variables. A logistic regression model was used to analyze associations and for the discriminatory power of the cut-off points of the hypertension anthropometric indicators, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. Comparisons were made between ROC curves, with the aim of identifying significant differences in the discriminatory power of the anthropometric indicators studied.Results: out of the 145 individuals, 79 were females (54%) and 66 males (46%). Results showed a high prevalence of arterial hypertension in men (69,7%) and women (73,4%). Both CC and CA were significantly associated with hypertension in both genders. Parameters of the ROC curve revealed that both anthropometric indicators of central obesity exhibit good discriminatory power for hypertension in the studied population. The cut-off point for CC was > 83,2 cm for men and > 82,6 cm for women; while for CA it was > 85,1 cm and > 85,4 cm for men and women, respectively.Conclusion: CA and CC are significantly associated with hypertension in both genders, and there is no superiority between them to predict hypertension in the elderly population.

Prevalence and factors associated with underweight among Brazilian older adults

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of underweight among older adults according to socio-demographic characteristics in different regions of Brazil as well as determine associated contextual and individual factors. Cross-sectional population-based study with older adults (≥ 65 years) interviewed by telephone survey in 2014. The body mass index was calculated based on weight and height. Associations were determined using Pearson's chi-square test, considering a 5% significance level. Adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using multilevel Poisson regression. Mean age was 73.3 years and the prevalence of underweight was 15.6% (95%CI: 14.1-17.1%). Higher prevalence rates of underweight were found among women, individuals aged ≥ 80 years, smokers and those who reported the regular consumption of beans. The prevalence rate of underweight was lower among those who reported abusive alcohol intake and those with a medical diagnosis of hypertension. The northern region of the country had the highest prevalence of underweight after adjusting for associated individual factors. The findings demonstrate the subgroups with higher prevalence rates of underweight that demand greater attention from the health services in terms of recovering of an adequate nutritional status.

An Analysis of Anthropometric Indicators and Modifiable Lifestyle Parameters Associated with Hypertensive Nephropathy

The surge in prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases like hypertension and chronic kidney disease has been linked with modifiable lifestyle practices and increased body fat. This study sought to compare the association between different modifiable lifestyle practices, adiposity indices, renal function parameters, and hypertension as well as the predictive implications for levels of these parameters in target cardiac organ damage among an urban Ghanaian hypertensive population. Using a hospital-based case-control study design, 241 Ghanaian indigenes from the Kumasi metropolis were recruited for this study. The case group was made up of 180 hypertensives and 61 normotensives served as controls. In addition to sociodemographic data, standard haemodynamic, anthropometric, renal function, and cardiac organ damage assessments were done. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) ranged from 13.3% to 16.6% depending on the equation used in estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Percentage cluster distribution by chronic kidney disease was observed to be significantly tilted toward the upper quartiles (3rd and 4th) of the haemodynamic parameters measured. Chronic kidney disease was significantly higher among self-reported smokers and alcoholic hypertensives. In this urban population, adiposity was associated with hypertension and renal insufficiency. Chronic kidney disease was associated with hypertension and cardiac abnormalities.

Relationship between functional fitness, medication costs and mood in elderly people

OBJECTIVE

To verify if functional fitness (FF) is associated with the annual cost of medication consumption and mood states (MSt) in elderly people.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 229 elderly people aged 65 years or more at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Coimbra, Portugal. Seniors with physical and psychological limitations were excluded, as well as those using medication that limits performance on the tests. The Senior Fitness Test was used to evaluate FF, and the Profile of Mood States - Short Form to evaluate the MSt. The statistical analysis was based on Mancova, with adjustment for age, for comparison between men and women, and adjustment for sex, for comparison between cardiorespiratory fitness quintiles. The association between the variables under study was made with partial correlation, controlling for the effects of age, sex and body mass index.

RESULTS

An inverse correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and the annual cost of medication consumption was found (p < 0.01). FF is also inversely associated with MSt (p < 0.05). Comparisons between cardiorespiratory fitness quintiles showed higher medication consumption costs in seniors with lower aerobic endurance, as well as higher deterioration in MSt (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Elderly people with better FF and, specifically, better cardiorespiratory fitness present lower medication consumption costs and a more positive MSt.

Prevalência e fatores associados à hipertensão arterial em idosos de municípios da Amazônia Legal, MT

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as características epidemiológicas da hipertensão arterial e os fatores associados na população idosa residente nos municípios da Amazônia Legal no Estado de Mato Grosso - Alta Floresta, Sinop, Sorriso e Diamantino. Trata-se de estudo transversal, de base populacional, realizado por meio de inquérito domiciliar com 312 idosos. A amostra da pesquisa foi obtida por amostragem complexa. Consideraram-se hipertensos aqueles que apresentaram pressão arterial >140/90mmHg e/ou que referiram uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva. A análise de regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para testar a associação entre a hipertensão e as variáveis independentes. A prevalência da hipertensão foi de 67,4%. As variáveis associadas à hipertensão nos homens foram situação conjugal (p=0,012) e índice de massa corporal (p=0,025). Já entre as mulheres, foram faixa etária (p=0,026), tabagismo (p=0,030) e índice de massa corporal (p=0,034). Entre os idosos, observou-se que 78,3% tinham conhecimento de sua condição de hipertenso; destes, 97,7% estavam em tratamento. Entre os que estavam em tratamento, apenas 43,7% apresentavam sua pressão arterial controlada. A alta prevalência da hipertensão, a associação a fatores de risco cardiovascular, assim como o baixo percentual de idosos com pressão arterial controlada, reforçam a necessidade de implementar políticas públicas, visando a ações de prevenção, controle e promoção da saúde da população idosa.

Variables related to the anticipated support for care in community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVE

to compare the anticipated support for care, living arrangements and variables related to health as functions of gender and age in older adults in the community.

METHOD

data was used from the Research network "Frailty in Brazilian Older Adults" (FIBRA network), sample for Campinas (n=671) analyses of data description and comparison were made.

RESULT

compared to the men, the women are in worse socio-demographic conditions and have poorer perception of their health and dependency and lower expectations of support for care; those who have expectations anticipate receiving help from only one person. Advanced age was related to lower incapacity percentages and the majority of the older adults assess their health as good or very good, irrespective of their age, although the women predominate in the group composed of those who assess their own health as bad or very bad.

CONCLUSION

this study guides the nurse in identifying older adults in situations of risk of lack of support for care and indicates the need for interventions aiming at giving support to this group.

Prevalência e fatores associados à pressão arterial elevada, seu conhecimento e tratamento em idosos no sul do Brasil

O objetivo foi estimar a prevalência e investigar os fatores associados à pressão arterial elevada, seu conhecimento e tratamento em idosos de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional e amostra complexa. A pressão arterial elevada foi definida pela medida do nível pressórico ou uso de anti-hipertensivo, ou diagnóstico prévio. A associação dos desfechos com as variáveis independentes foi verificada pela regressão de Poisson. Foram entrevistados 1.705 idosos. Desses, 84,6% apresentaram pressão arterial elevada, 77,5% estavam cientes da doença e 79,1% a tratavam. A prevalência associou-se à dependência funcional e idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) elevados. Idosos do sexo feminino, idade e IMC elevados, pior percepção em saúde e consulta médica recente estavam mais cientes da doença. O tratamento associou-se a sexo masculino, dependência funcional, pior percepção em saúde e consulta médica recente. Ainda que políticas públicas em saúde devam ser universais, é preciso considerar a desigual distribuição da pressão arterial elevada na população, direcionando-se ações de prevenção, diagnóstico e garantia de tratamento.