ABSTRACT
Arterial hypertension is one of the most prevalent health problems and one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to identify if hypertensive patients are being treated in accordance to current recommendations (JNC-7) for this condition and to estimate the level of blood pressure control in the subjects at the moment of their participation in the study. A total of 138 patents with previous diagnosis of arterial hypertension were recruited from visitors to the Emergency Room at Dr. Pila Hospital in Ponce, Puerto Rico during the months of November 2003 through April 2004. Data was collected in the form of a questionnaire, administered by interview. The questionnaire included demographic data, blood pressure level, anthropometric variables, reported history of chronic diseases, use of antihypertensive agents and other variables. At the moment of their participation, 77 of the subjects had uncontrolled hypertension. Only 25 of subjects reported present use of diuretic agents, which are highly recommended as first line treatment for hypertension. The majority (54) of subjects were being treated with only one antihypertensive agent. The majority (58) of patients were not being treated in accordance with current recommendations (JNC-7) under the category of [quot ]compelling indications[quot ]. The results of this study could very well indicate tendencies and patterns of treatment in hypertensive patients of our community. This may warrant further research and inquiry for explanations