Table 4

The Hordaland Health Study (HUSK). Blood pressure (BP) in 3 341 elderly persons (70 – 74 years old), using and not using antihypertensive drugs.


Males (n = 1473)
Females (n = 1868)



No drugs (n = 955)
Drugs (n = 518)
No drugs (n = 1260)
Drugs (n = 626)

Systolic BP (mm Hg)
144.5 (18.7) 91/210
147.5* (21.5) 88/223
145.6 (22.0) 98/229
153.4* (21.6) 84/220
Diastolic BP (mm Hg)
80.0 (10.7) 48/120
80.1 (12.1) 46/116
75.0 (12.6) 44/131
77.8* (12.1) 40/123
BP < 140/90 mmHg (%)
42.2
37.6
44.4
29.2**

Figures are given as means with standard deviation (SD) and range (minimum/maximum).

*Significant difference between samples with versus without drugs, independent samples t-test p < 0.01.

** Significant difference between sample with versus without drugs, chi square test p < 0.01

Brekke et al. BMC Geriatrics 2006 6:16   doi:10.1186/1471-2318-6-16