Canadian Health Measures Survey: Blood pressure in adults 2007 to 2009

 Data from the Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS) indicate that nearly one-fifth (19%) of Canadians aged 20 to 79, roughly 4.6 million people, had hypertension. Another 20% had readings in the pre-hypertension range, and 61% had normal blood pressure.

These findings are based on data from direct, automated measures of blood pressure and self-reported use of blood pressure medication in cycle 1 of the CHMS, conducted from March 2007 through February 2009.

The CHMS, carried out in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, is the most comprehensive survey involving direct physical measures ever carried out in Canada. The CHMS included a vast array of direct measures designed to assess fitness and activity levels, nutritional status, exposure to environmental contaminants, infectious disease status, oral health, lung capacity, heart rate, and blood pressure

The CHMS provides data from which estimates of hypertension prevalence, awareness and control have been derived. The last such data from direct measures of blood pressure were based on surveys conducted in each province over the period 1985 to 1992.

About 80% of the 4.6 million adults with hypertension were being treated with antihypertensive drugs. In two-thirds (66%) of those with hypertension, medication was effective in controlling their blood pressure.

Prevalence nearly the same in men and women
The prevalence of hypertension was nearly the same in both sexes: 19.7% in men and 19.0% in women. However, men were less likely than women to be aware of their condition.

The prevalence of high blood pressure increased sharply with age. At ages 20 to 39, about 2% of adults had hypertension. By ages 40 to 59, the percentage was 18%. And at ages 60 to 79, more than half (53%) had measured blood pressure in the hypertensive range, or were taking medication for it.

One-fifth of adults in pre-hypertension range
A substantial percentage of adults had measured blood pressure that placed them in the pre-hypertensive range, defined according to internationally recognized standards as systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg. Pre-hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and is strongly predictive of hypertension.

About 20% people aged 20 to 79 had blood pressure in the pre-hypertension range. Pre-hypertension was more prevalent among men (25%) than among women (15%).

You can find more details at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100217/dq100217b-eng.htm