Prevalence and treatment status of hypertension in a sample of Iraqi physicians

ABSTRACT

A total of 519 physicians were investigated for the presence and severity of hypertension. Their treatment status was assessed. 344 were males and 175 were females. The mean age was 43 years. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age in both males and females. However, the overall prevalence was lower in females than in males [5% and 18% respectively]. The majority of patients suffered from mild hypertension. Assessment of the treatment status showed that 42% did not take any medication despite their knowledge about their disease, and only a minority [9%] were treated but uncontrolled. 4% of our hypertensive patients were unaware of their hypertension