Use of heart disease and blood pressure medications soars
12 September 2003
The proportion of elderly people taking cardiovascular medication has more than doubled over the past decade or more, according to findings from Australia's longest longitudinal study on ageing released this week.
One in 2 people were using antihypertensives (medications to treat high blood pressure) in 2001, compared with one in 4 people in 1988, results from 'The Dubbo Study of the Health of the Elderly' showed. Similarly, one in 5 people were using medications for dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood fat levels, e.g. high cholesterol) in 2001, compared with one in 50 in 1988.
Elderly people were also more likely to use self-prescribed pain medications and laxatives in 2001 compared with 1988, but less likely to use sleep medication and antacids, the study found.
The study involved 2805 people born before 1 January 1930 who were living in Dubbo, NSW. Participants were interviewed in 1988 and followed for a decade or more.
Last Reviewed: 12 September 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 12/9/03
