Blood pressure control in patients with arterial hypertension in Slovenia
Abstract
Background: Blood pressure control is sub-optimal all over the world. The aim of the study was to find out about the quality of the blood pressure control in Slovenia.
Patients and method: Randomly selected general practitioners fulfilled a questionnaire for each of the 20 conse cutive attenders with arterial hypertension. We collected data for 980 patients with arterial hypertension, who attended their general practitioners in September 2006. Data about blood pressure control was taken from the medical record; we took into account the last two blood pressure measurements in the office before the visit in which we selected the study sample.
Results: In the sample of 980 patients there were 47.4 % male and 52.6 % female, who were from 20 to 97 years old (average 62.3 years, SD 11.9 years). The target blood pressure was reached in 388 (40.1 %) patients with hypertension. 927 (94.6 %) patients were given an advice on non-pharmacological measures. In 986 (98.8 %) patients antihypertensive drugs were prescribed. 668 (68.2 %) patients took a combined antihypertensive treatment. The most frequently prescribed drug classes were blockers of renin-angiotensine system in 843 (86.0 %) patients, 225 (23.2 %) patients took blockers of renin-angiotensine receptors. In 527 (53.8 %) patients antihypertensive treatment was changed during the treatment. Physicians performed at least one measure to improve blood pressure control in 430 (74.3 %) patients with uncontrolled hypertension; changes in drug treatment were made in 252 (43.5 %) patients.
Conclusions: More frequent advice on non-pharmacological measures, more intensive drug treatment and adaptation of treatment to patients lead to better blood pressure control.
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