Treatment of hypertension in middle-aged men: a feasibility study in a community

1. In a health examination survey of 2322 men, aged 49-50 years, the prevalence of hypertension was 7-5%. All men with a supine diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 105 mmHg were invited to a hypertension clinic. 2. Two years' treatment in eighty-six men achieved a blood pressure reduction of 31/16 mmHg, which was maintained for a 4 years period and considered satisfactory in 80% of the subjects. Propranolol was used in more than 80% of the cases. 3. The study indicates that it is possible to obtain acceptable blood pressure control in the community.