ABSTRACT
Arterial hypertension is a global burden leading to over 10.8 million deaths per year worldwide. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global project initiated by the International Society of Hypertension to raise the awareness of high blood pressure (BP) in the population. Following the MMM protocol 2508 participants ≥18 years had their BP measured in Austria in MMM18 and MMM19. Of those screened, 54.6% were found to be hypertensive, defined as a BP ≥140/90â mmHg and/or being on treatment for hypertension. Among those individuals with hypertension, 56.1% were on medication but only 42.0% of those treated had controlled BP (<140/90â mmHg). Lower BPs were found in those with previous myocardial infarction (MI), probably explained by a medical monitoring system of patients with MI in Austria. Those with hypertension were referred for further medical investigations and were provided lifestyle advice. Among a high number of individuals receiving antihypertensive treatment, BP is still not controlled. Further screening and monitoring of therapeutic effects is urgently required.
ABSTRACT
Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high BP and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programs worldwide. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 was carried out in May 2017. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension (HTN), and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. In total, 2711 individuals (58.6% female) were screened during MMM17 in 56 centres. After multiple imputation, 1704 (62.9%) had HTN (≥140/90 mmHg). Of individuals not receiving antihypertensive medication, 764 (43.2%) were hypertensive. Of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication, 597 (63.5%) had uncontrolled BP. MMM17 was one of the largest BP screening campaigns undertaken in Austria. A large number of undiagnosed hypertensives was found and connected to a therapeutic strategy. An alarming number of uncontrolled but treated hypertensives should attract the attention of doctors and health care system in Austria.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Adherence to medication and lifestyle interventions are essential keys for the management of hypertension. In this respect, a structured educational program for hypertensive patients has got remarkable merits (herz.leben). In order to determine the isolated effect of participation in the educational program, neglecting the possible impact of more intense care, this prospective multicenter randomized controlled study was designed (NCT00453037). METHODS: A total of 256 patients in 13 centers were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups (G). G-I (n = 137) underwent the educational program immediately (T-0), G-II (n = 119) after 6 months (T-6). Follow-up visits were done after 6 (T-6) and 12 (T-12) months. Primary endpoint was a difference in office blood pressure (BP) at T-6, when only G-I had undergone the educational program. RESULTS: Patients' baseline characteristics were comparable. At T-6, systolic office and home BP were significantly lower in G-I compared to G-II: office BP systolic 139 (134-150) mm Hg vs. 150 (135-165) mm Hg (P < 0.01); diastolic 80 (76-85) mm Hg vs. 84 (75-90) mm Hg (ns); home BP systolic 133 (130-140) mm Hg vs. 142 (132-150) mm Hg (P < 0.01); diastolic 80 (75-85) mm Hg vs. 80 (76-89) mm Hg (ns)). At T-12, when all patients had undergone the educational program differences in BP disappeared. CONCLUSION: The results of this multicenter randomized controlled study provide significant evidence for benefit by participation in a structured educational program. Positive effects seem to be mediated by better adherence and life style changes due to higher levels of information and patient empowerment. Therefore, educational strategies should be considered as standard of care for hypertensive patients.
Subject(s)
Essential Hypertension/therapy , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Aged , Disease Management , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Although hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, the level of blood pressure control remains poor. To amplify quality of care in hypertensive patients, a multifaceted program consisting of structured educational programs for both patients and staff, structured documentation and feedback reports with peer comparison, was implemented on a multicentre basis. Main targets were improvement of blood pressure control and reduction of cardiovascular risk. A provisional reimbursement was provided. METHODS: Patients were eligible for inclusion in the program if office blood pressure was uncontrolled (>160/95 or >140/90âmmHg) in addition to elevated cardiovascular risk [>15% according to the New Zealand Risk Score (NZRS)]. Blood pressure and lipid panels were measured at entry in the program and after 12 months. Patients attended four educational units held by hypertension nurses and physicians. All data were collected in structured documentation sheets and benchmarking reports were provided every 6 months. RESULTS: Two thousand and forty-one patients were enrolled in the program within 5 years and 3 months; 54% female, age 62.8â±â11.1years, BMI 29.50â±â7.88âkg/m (meanâ±âSD). To date, 744 patients have been seen at 1-year follow-up. Entry blood pressure was 156.1â±â20.8/88.9â±â11.1âmmHg. Total cholesterol showed mean levels of 207.0â±â46.0âmg/dl, low-density lipoprotein 122.3â±â41.6âmg/dl, high-density lipoprotein 57.2â±â22.4âmg/dl and calculated cardiovascular risk level (NZRS) was 17.28â±â8.29%. One year following the educational program, blood pressure was reduced to 139.2â±â15.6 (Pâ<â0.001)/82.1â±â9.5âmmHg (Pâ<â0.001). NZRS (14.1â±â7.2%; Pâ<â0.001) and BMI (29.26â±â4.92 versus 29.06â±â4.99) also improved significantly. CONCLUSION: This structured educational program showed its ability to improve intermediate outcomes in hypertensive patients. Better blood pressure control and significant reduction of the individual cardiovascular risk profile were achieved. A broad implementation of the program in the management of hypertension seems justified.
