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This study investigated hypertension in Swedish men, finding secondary hypertension rare (5%) and heart/kidney issues common. A basic workup for uncomplicated hypertension is suggested based on these findings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence of primary and secondary hypertension is crucial for effective management.
- Assessing heart and kidney involvement in hypertensive populations informs clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of primary and secondary hypertension in a Swedish male population sample.
- To evaluate the extent of heart and kidney involvement among hypertensive individuals.
- To propose a minimum pre-treatment diagnostic workup for uncomplicated hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 689 hypertensive subjects identified through a population-based blood pressure screening of 7,452 Swedish men.
- Assessment of hypertension types (primary vs. secondary), including surgically curable forms.
- Evaluation of cardiac (left ventricular hypertrophy, heart enlargement) and renal (proteinuria, abnormal serum creatinine, urinary sediment) parameters.
Main Results:
- Secondary hypertension was found in 5% of subjects; surgically curable hypertension was even less prevalent.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy and slight heart enlargement were observed in approximately one-third of hypertensive patients.
- Severe heart enlargement, ECG-defined left ventricular hypertrophy, proteinuria, abnormal serum creatinine, and abnormal urinary sediment each occurred in about 5% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Secondary hypertension is uncommon in this Swedish male population.
- A significant proportion of hypertensive individuals exhibit cardiac abnormalities.
- The findings support the proposal of a streamlined minimum pre-treatment workup for uncomplicated hypertension.
Abstract:
The prevalence of primary and secondary hypertension and of heart and kidney involvement was thoroughly studied in 689 hypertensive subjects derived from a blood pressure screening examination of a total population sample of Swedish men (n = 7,452). The prevalence of secondary hypertension was found to be only 5%, the prevalence of surgically curable hypertension being even lower. Left ventricular hypertrophy and slight heart enlargement were each found in about one-third of the hypertensive patients, while severe heart enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy on ECG, proteinuria, abnormal serum creatinine and urinary sediment were each found in about 5%. On the basis of these findings, a minimum pre-treatment workup in uncomplicated hypertension is proposed.