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Work-site hypertension prevalence and control in three Central European Countries
J G Fodor1, J Lietava, A Rieder
1University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Heart Check, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. gfodor@ottawaheart.ca
Journal of Human Hypertension
|February 20, 2004
Summary
Cerebrovascular stroke mortality is higher in Hungary and Slovakia than Austria. This study found hypertension control did not explain the differences, suggesting other factors influence stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) mortality rates significantly differ between Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
- Higher CVS mortality in Hungary and Slovakia compared to Austria prompted an investigation into hypertension management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that better hypertension treatment and control in Austria contribute to lower CVS mortality.
- To compare hypertension prevalence, diagnosis, and control rates among blue-collar workers in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted on male blue-collar employees at work sites in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
- Standardized blood pressure screening using the Bp-TRU(TM) instrument was performed.
- Data from 323 Austrian, 600 Hungarian, and 751 Slovak participants were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hypertension prevalence was 29% in Austria, 28% in Hungary, and 40% in Slovakia.
- Newly diagnosed hypertension rates were 73% (Austria), 45% (Hungary), and 67% (Slovakia).
- Controlled hypertension rates among treated individuals were 10% (Austria), 15% (Hungary), and 5% (Slovakia).
Conclusions:
- Observed differences in CVS mortality are not explained by superior hypertension control in Austria.
- Hypertension management and control vary significantly across the studied countries.
- Other determinants likely play a crucial role in the disparities of cerebrovascular stroke mortality.