[High blood presure for people aged more than 60 years in the distrct of Sousse].

High blood pressure (HBP) is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors all over the world. We conducted a prospective study including 600 elderly people aged more than 60 years in the district of Sousse. The mean age of our patients was 69 +/- 7.1 years with a ratio of 1.3 (340 females and 260 males). The prevalence of HBP was at 69.3%, diabetes 23% and obesity 24.2%. It is important to note that in 31% of cases HBP was newly diagnosed during our investigation. In 51.7% of patients with known hypertension there was evidence of non compliance to treatment and uncontrolled PB. It is obvious that HBP is a major health problem in our country and that inadequate control of hypertension is a potential source for cardiovascular problems. Our findings emphasize the need for implementing an educational program as well as sensitization compaigns targeting people, particularly those aged more than 60 years.