Journal of Health Wellness and Community Research · Apr 14, 2026
Prevalence of Hypertension in the Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Saeed H, Memon M, Tariq A et al.
Background: Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and is especially common in older adults because of vascular aging and cumulative exposure to lifestyle-related risk factors. In developing countries, including Pakistan, hypertension in the elderly often remains underdiagnosed and inadequately controlled. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among elderly individuals attending a tertiary care hospital in Karachi and to examine its association with selected demographic and lifestyle factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 participants aged 65 years and older recruited from outpatient departments and inpatient wards between January and June 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, smoking status, physical activity, dietary salt intake, and medical history. Blood pressure was measured using a standard digital sphygmomanometer, and hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure at least 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure at least 90 mmHg, or current use of antihypertensive medication. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 26 using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing. Results: Overall hypertension prevalence was 58.0% (174/300). Prevalence increased from 50.0% in participants aged 65-69 years to 69.2% in those aged 75 years or older (p=0.024). Irregular physical activity (66.0% vs 40.4%, p<0.001) and high salt intake (66.7% vs 47.8%, p=0.001) were strongly associated with hypertension, while the association with smoking was not statistically significant (p=0.097). Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among elderly patients in this tertiary care setting, with advancing age, low physical activity, and high salt intake showing the strongest associations. Routine screening and targeted lifestyle interventions are warranted.