[Prevalence and factors associated with high blood pressure, awareness, and treatment among elderly in Southern Brazil].

The aim of this study was to describe prevalence, awareness, and treatment of high blood pressure (HBP) and associated factors among the elderly in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. This cross-sectional population-based study used a complex sampling design. HBP was defined as elevated blood pressure (by direct measurement), use of antihypertensive medication, or prior diagnosis. The association of outcomes with independent variables was assessed by Poisson regression. One-thousand seven hundred and five participants were interviewed. Of these, 84.6% presented HBP, 77.5% were aware of their condition, and 79.1% were on antihypertensive medication. Prevalence of HBP was associated with age, functional capacity, and body mass index (BMI). Awareness of the condition was associated with age, gender, BMI, self-rated health, and recent medical consultation. Treatment was associated with gender, functional capacity, self-rated health, and recent medical consultation. Although public health policies should include everyone, unequal distribution of HBP in the population should be addressed through targeted preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures.