Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
Control of hypertension in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease
1Hospital General, Castellón, University of Valencia, Madrid, Spain. brocav@meditex.es
Insights
Hypertension control is poor in most high-risk cardiovascular disease patients. Inadequate blood pressure management often correlates with uncontrolled cholesterol and diabetes, highlighting a significant public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Limited data exist on the prevalence and contributing factors of uncontrolled hypertension in high-risk populations.
- Effective management of hypertension is crucial for CVD prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the control status of hypertension.
- To assess medical resource utilization in patients with high CVD risk.
- To identify factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A multicentric, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Data were collected from 2205 adult patients across 36 Spanish centers.
- Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of hypertension, absolute CVD risk ≥20% (10-year Framingham risk), and outpatient clinic attendance.
Main Results:
- A significant majority, 62.8% (1384 patients), had inadequately controlled hypertension.
- Uncontrolled hypertension was linked to higher LDL cholesterol (median 130.2 vs. 120.0 mg/dl) and elevated Hemoglobin A1c in diabetics (median 7.10% vs. 6.90%).
- Associated factors included higher LDL cholesterol, antihypertensive medication use, non-metropolitan residence, and increased body mass index.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension remains poorly controlled in a substantial proportion of high-CVD-risk patients.
- Poor hypertension control is frequently concurrent with suboptimal management of other CVD risk factors.
- These findings underscore the need for improved hypertension management strategies in at-risk populations.
Background:
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, but knowledge about the real magnitude of the problem and its determinants is lacking.
Aim:
To assess control of hypertension and evaluate medical resource use, in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Design:
Multicentric cross-sectional study.
Methods:
We collected data for 2205 adult patients from 36 centres, representative of all regions of Spain. Patients had attended out-patient clinics from July 2002 to August 2003, had an absolute cardiovascular risk > or =20% at 10 years (according to the Framingham guidelines), and had a diagnosis of hypertension. Pregnant and terminally ill patients were excluded.
Results:
Hypertension was inadequately controlled in 1384 patients (62.8%). LDL cholesterol was higher in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (median 130.2 vs. 120.0 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Haemoglobin A(1c) in diabetic patients was also greater in those with uncontrolled hypertension (median 7.10% vs. 6.90%, p = 0.010). Uncontrolled hypertension was associated with the following variables, in descending strength of association: higher LDL cholesterol, taking antihypertensive medication, living in non-metropolitan areas, and higher body mass index.
Discussion:
Hypertension is poorly controlled in most patients with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Uncontrolled hypertension is frequently associated with poor control of other risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management