RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the prevalence rate of hypertension among the elderly population in Shanxi Province. Methods According to the random sampling, 41 residents committees of city blocks and villages of 9 areas (including Taiyuan, Datong, Jinzhong, Yuncheng, et al) of Shanxi Province were extracted as the investigative spots. All the people were older than 55years, and risk factors for hypertension were identified. Results A total of 3702 people were surveyed, including 1,782 men and 1,920 women. The total hypertension prevalence rate was 39.0%(the standardized rate: 39. 5 %), with 38. 7 % in men (the standardized rate: 38. 5%), 39.3 % in women (the standardized rate: 41.2%), and no statistic significance was found between men and women (χ2= 0. 143, P>0. 05). Aging, lacking of knowledge, and obesity were risk factors for hypertension. Conclusions The hypertension in Shanxi Province has a high prevalence rate among the elderly population, a comprehensive intervention should be taken in the prevention of hypertension.