| Abstrakt: |
A survey of a West Florida area to detect high blood pressure and to determine the effectiveness of treatment shows that 16% of the surveyed population had blood pressure above 160/90. The estimated target population was 29,650 and of this number 17,601 were surveyed. 2,838 either had blood pressure above the screening level or gave a history of taking anti-hypertensive drugs with a history of hypertension in the past. Only 701 of these or 25% were considered to be adequately treated with a diastolic blood pressure reduced to less than 88 mm. Hg. Thus 2,137 people with hypertension were either not under treatment or were taking some form of medication with blood pressure still above the screening level. Twenty-eight percent said they were not aware of the need for treatment and 12% of these were not aware of the presence of hypertension. The price of medication was the reason why 23% were not under treatment. Surprisingly, 17% said they could not tolerate the drugs prescribed by their physician. A few patients would not take the medication because of religious restrictions. In summary the data here in Florida is strongly suggesting the following points: 1. Adequate control of hypertension depends on early treatment or treatment before hypertension has become severe. 2. Almost 75% of hypertensive patients are not being adequately treated. A survey of a West Florida area to detect high blood pressure and to determine the effectiveness of treatment shows that 16% of the surveyed population had blood pressure above 160/90. The estimated target population was 29,650 and of this number 17,601 were surveyed. 2,838 either had blood pressure above the screening level or gave a history of taking anti-hypertensive drugs with a history of hypertension in the past. Only 701 of these or 25% were considered to be adequately treated with a diastolic blood pressure reduced to less than 88 mm. Hg. Thus 2,137 people with hypertension were either not under treatment or were taking some form of medication with blood pressure still above the screening level. Twenty-eight percent said they were not aware of the need for treatment and 12% of these were not aware of the presence of hypertension. The price of medication was the reason why 23% were not under treatment. Surprisingly, 17% said they could not tolerate the drugs prescribed by their physician. A few patients would not take the medication because of religious restrictions. In summary the data here in Florida is strongly suggesting the following points: 1. Adequate control of hypertension depends on early treatment or treatment before hypertension has become severe. 2. Almost 75% of hypertensive patients are not being adequately treated. 3. Among the reasons why patients are not adequately treated are: the price of drugs, intolerance to the drugs, and lack of understanding of the need for adequate control. 4. The Step Method of treating patients was a waste of time. In our experience some effective drug combination should be used initially. 5. Hypertension is asymptomatic and patients will not be discovered of their own volition. Community wide screening programs are essential for early detection and early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
