Visual Abstract

In the US, hypertension prevalence among adults has been stable since 2000. Whether these trends vary for older adults across geographic regions is unknown. This study used the 5% sample of Medicare administrative claims data (2005-2017) to examine trends in hypertension prevalence among older adults with and without diabetes by U.S. Census region (Midwest, Northeast, South, West). Participants aged ≥66 years with 12 months of continuous coverage of Part A and Part B were included. Hypertension and diabetes were assessed using ICD-9/ICD-10 codes from inpatient or outpatient claims in the index year. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percentage change in age-standardized hypertension prevalence by region. Overall, hypertension prevalence increased among older adults with and without diabetes across regions (Figure 1). Among older adults with diabetes, the average annual percentage change was lowest in the West (0.27) and highest in the South (0.45) from 2011 to 2017. Among those without diabetes, hypertension prevalence declined in the West (-0.2) and increased in the South (0.6) from 2009 to 2017. Regional differences in hypertension prevalence were present among older adults and highlight the importance of identifying and understanding the causes of disease burden across geographies and time.

Disclosure

J. Uddin: None. S. Zhu: None. G. Malla: None. E. B. Levitan: Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc. D. B. Rolka: None. D. Long: None. A. P. Carson: Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc.

Funding

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U01DP006302)

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