Objective To assess the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension and its attributing factors in Heilongjiang province and establish a comprehensive basis for the prevention and control of hypertension in this region. Methods Using the stratified chunk method, a survey lasting 50 years was conducted on a sample of 299 677 (including i 58 782 males and 140 895 females) patients, aged 15 and above, residing in both rural and urban areas of Heilongjiang province from 1958 to 2007. Both blood pressure measurement and analysis on attributing factors of hypertension were carried out in 1958, 1979, 1991, 1999 and 2007. Results The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in Heilongjiang than in other provinces. It elevated annually, reaching a 3-fold increase in 50 years with an accelerating pace ( 17.06% to 25. 69% ) in the recent 8 years. Among the people examined, the prevalence of hypertension increased with aging. Furthermore, the prevalence of hypertension varied among different professions. Office workers had the highest prevalence (41.67%). Compared with female population, male participants had a much higher prevalence before the age of 55 (P < 0.0001 ). Body mass index, gender, hypertriglyceridemia, age, low-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and family history were identified as major risk factors for the development of hypertension in Heilongjiang province. However, the awareness (48. 90% ), treatment (25.33%) and control (4. 32% ) rates of hypertension in this region were relatively low. Conclusion The results of the present study identified Heilongjiang province as a high-risk region for hypertension. It also suggests the necessity to plan and implement actions for the effective prevention and treatment of hypertension in this region.

Objective To assess epidemiological characteristics of metabolic syndrome(MS)and its attributing factors in a resident sample aged over 35 living in both rural and urban areas of Harbin in Heilongjiang province.Methods A cross-over sectional and cluster sampling was carried out in 5 984 residents aged over 35 years living in the rural and urban areas of Harbin.Height,body mass,waist circumference,blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,triglyeeride,and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined.In this survey,the prevalence of MS and its attributing factors were analyzed by logistic regression model according to the diagnostic criteria of international diabetes federation in 2005.Results The prevalence of MS in this sample was 24.60%(male 22.49%,female 26.29%),and the standardized prevalence rate was 23.31%(male 22.12%,female 25.19%).Compared to female population,male participants showed a much lower prevalence;and compared to urban area population,rural participants showed a much lower prevalence(26.70% vs 20.05%,P<0.05).The prevalence of MS rose progressively with age in females.The individuals with MS presented increased body mass index,hyperglycemia,and hypertriglyceridemia.Gender,age,employment,education,smoking or drinking habit,and family history of hypertension were identified as maior risk factors of MS.Conclusion The prevalence of MS in a sample of residents aged over 35 in Harbin Was 24.60%.It becomes an public health problem requiring urgent attention for prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo assess the epidemiology features of hypertension in Heilongjiang Province, China.

METHODSFrom 1959 to 1999, 289,157 people in total, ages > or = 15-year old (male 154,091, female 135,066) were investigated four times by a stratified chunk method in rural and urban areas in Heilongjiang Province. After a staff training program, this survey on blood pressure and risk factors was carried out under a worldwide uniform protocol with standardized method and interrelated quality control regulation. Among these samples, 1615 people (male 824, female 791) received blood-lipid analysis.

RESULTSThe hypertensive incidence of Heilongjiang was much higher than the average level in China (P < 0.01) and it has gotten higher from 1959 to 1999, especially in the last ten years. It increased more in males than in females (P < 0.01). It was also higher with age. The mean age of hypertensive onset became ten years younger recently. It is different in different areas and professions. Age, BMI (body mass index), drinking alcohol, gender, history of maternal hypertension, high salt diet and professional status were the main risk factors for hypertension in Heilongjiang Province in China.

CONCLUSIONThe prophylaxis and treatment of hypertension should be enhanced in this area.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; Body Mass Index ; China ; epidemiology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; epidemiology ; Incidence ; Linear Models ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Rural Health ; Sex Factors ; Urban Health