A Cross-National Comparison of Hypertension among Elderly in Japan and Singapore

Yasuhiko Saito, Nihon University
Vanessa Yong, Nihon University
Atsuhiko Takahashi, Nihon University
Angelique Chan, National University of Singapore

Differences in life expectancies at birth between Japan and Singapore are much smaller than the differences between Japan and the US. Yet, life expectancies at age 65 in Singapore is similar to those in the US. In order to find out a reason for the differences in life expectancies at age 65 between Japan and Singapore, we compare the differences in prevalence of hypertension between two countries. The prevalence of hypertension is high among elderly in Japan (69%) and Singapore (79%). In both countries, about 1 in every 5 hypertensives is unaware of their condition. Among those who are aware, the vast majority are taking anti-hypertension medication. However, the control of blood pressure is suboptimal for more than half of them. Contrary to our expectation that the prevalence of hypertension is significantly different between Japan and Singapore, the differences in the prevalence were not large.