Introduction: Ageing brings an increased
burden on healthcare systems. In Malta
cardiovascular disease is the main cause of
morbidity and mortality accounting for
approximately 40% of all deaths. It is assumed that
effective prevention strategies targeted at the
middle-aged population would translate in better
health outcomes in our elderly population.
Aim: To investigate how lack of awareness of
conditions such as high blood pressure and high
blood glucose level in the 41-60-year age group
could influence the health status of future
generations of elderly in our population.
Methodology: Two risk factors for
cardiovascular disease namely raised blood pressure
and raised blood glucose were identified for
analysis: (i) The comparison of perception and
measurement of the selected risk factors assessed in
2 cohorts aged 41-60 years at two different time
points: (a) 1981/4 and (b) 2008/2010; (ii) The
analysis of any changes in perception and
measurement of these risk factors over time
between the 1981/4 sample and a follow-up sample
drawn from the first cohort 30 years later, now 60
plus years of age.
Results: Awareness for hypertension has
increased in the 41-60-year olds over the 30-year
period. However, awareness for diabetes has
decreased in the same cohorts. Awareness for both
hypertension and diabetes has increased as the 41-
60-year olds reach 60+.
Conclusion: Improved perception for
hypertension and diabetes in the 60+ group is not
matched with better control of the condition.
Medical intervention in the 41-60-age group in the
2008/2010 sample has resulted in better control of
blood pressure, but not of blood glucose. These
results highlight the need for stepping up awareness
and screening for these conditions especially in the
41-60 group coupled with better control.peer-reviewe
