High blood pressure in older Americans. The First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Data from a representative sample of the U.S. adult population obtained during 1971-1975 were analyzed to provide a profile of blood pressure (BP) levels and related nutritional and sociodemographic factors. Older adults (aged 55-74 years) had a twofold greater prevalence of high BP than younger adults (25-54 years), and older black persons had the highest rates. Isolated systolic elevation was uncommon under 54 years of age, but occurred in 5% to 10% of adults over 55 years and was less common than systolic-diastolic elevation. In older adults, body mass (weight/height2) had the strongest relationship to BP of all the nutritional variables. Alcohol consumption and dietary calcium and phosphorus were associated with high BP, but dietary sodium and salt use were not. The serum calcium/phosphorus ratio and serum urate were significantly higher in older adults with high BP. In general, the variables associated with elevated BP in older adults were similar to those in younger adults, although the strengths of the associations differed. Associations of factors useful for nonpharmacologic prevention and management of high BP in older persons were suggested from this survey.