Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

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
PubMed

Insights

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.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...