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Cardiovascular risk factor control and treatment patterns in primary care
Katharine H Hendrix1, Daniel T Lackland, Brent M Egan
1College of Health Professions, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA. hendrikh@musc.edu
Managed Care Interface
|December 3, 2003
Summary
Controlling hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for reducing events and health disparities. This study found that multiple risk factor control was infrequent, particularly in women and African Americans.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Hypertension and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors significantly impact CV events and health equity.
- Previous studies indicate that managing these factors can mitigate negative health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the treatment, control, and disparities in cardiovascular risk factors among hypertensive patients.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of audit and feedback programs in primary care for improving risk factor management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective medical record audits were conducted across 63 primary care sites involving 201 providers.
- Data from 35,940 patients with hypertension were analyzed for blood pressure control.
- Analysis included 18,627 patients for dyslipidemia and 6,616 for diabetes management.
Main Results:
- Blood pressure control (<140/90 mm Hg) was achieved in 49% of hypertensive patients.
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control (<130 mg/dL) was observed in 62% of patients with dyslipidemia.
- Glycosylated hemoglobin control (<7%) was achieved in 49% of patients with hypertension and diabetes.
- Comprehensive control of multiple risk factors was uncommon, with notable disparities among women and African Americans.
Conclusions:
- Improving cardiovascular risk factor control in primary care is achievable through audit and feedback programs.
- Addressing disparities in risk factor management is essential for reducing cardiovascular events and promoting health equity.