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Published on: May 3, 2018
Hypertension detection and control: population and policy implications
Richard S Cooper1, Ramon Durazo-Arvizu
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Loyola University Medical School, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. rcooper@luc.edu
Insights
Controlling hypertension has significantly reduced cardiovascular disease mortality. However, improving patient adherence, physician practices, and utilizing advanced risk prediction tools are crucial for better hypertension management and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacologic Therapy
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) decline represents a major medical achievement.
- Hypertension treatment is a key factor in reducing mortality trends.
- Current hypertension control in the U.S. falls short of optimal levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for improved hypertension pharmacologic therapy.
- To emphasize the importance of physician adherence to guidelines and patient compliance.
- To discuss the role and future potential of global cardiovascular risk evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing medical interventions and their impact on mortality.
- Analysis of current practices in hypertension management.
- Discussion of theoretical advancements in cardiovascular risk prediction.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements are needed in institutional practices, physician adherence, and patient medication consistency.
- Global risk evaluation is increasingly used but requires further assessment for practical value.
- Refining cardiovascular risk prediction as a clinical tool is essential.
Conclusions:
- Despite progress, widespread optimal hypertension control remains an unmet goal.
- Enhanced information technology, including electronic medical records and online risk calculators, is vital.
- Further development is needed to fully realize the potential of risk prediction in clinical practice.
Abstract:
The decline in cardiovascular diseases is by far the most remarkable achievement of medicine in the last half of the twentieth century. It can even be said that the treatment of hypertension is the only known medical intervention to have left a clear imprint on mortality trends. Much more remains to be accomplished, however, before even the majority of patients in the United States will be controlled with pharmacologic therapy [27,28]. Significant changes are needed to improve the practice of institutions, the adherence of physicians to appropriate guidelines, and the consistency of pill taking on the part of patients. Global risk evaluation is currently being used more widely in clinical practice to target therapy and improve its overall effectiveness; however, it is perhaps too early to assess its practical value. On theoretic grounds alone, much more needs to be done to refine prediction of cardiovascular risk as a clinical tool. Improvement in information technology, including an electronic medical record and on-line risk equations, will also be required before its full value can be realized.
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