DETERMINANTS OF HYPERTENSION RISK FACTORS AMONG THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Abstract

Hypertension among the elderly remains a major public health concern, influenced by various genetic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors. This study employed a literature review using a descriptive-analytic approach to identify the key risk factors contributing to hypertension in the elderly, based on national and international research findings. The review process followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, with relevant scientific sources retrieved from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect.

The findings of this literature review indicate that the most consistent determinants associated with hypertension in older adults include family history, high salt and fat intake, low physical activity, psychological stress, smoking habits, and obesity. Additionally, age-related physiological changes further increase susceptibility to elevated blood pressure. Overall, hypertension in the elderly is a multifactorial condition requiring integrated promotive and preventive interventions. Preventive efforts should emphasize lifestyle modification, including reduced salt consumption, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, stress management, and maintenance of an ideal body weight.