Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

Visit frequency and hypertension

Richard Guthmann1, Nancy Davis, Matthew Brown

  • 1University of Illinois at Chicago/Illinois Masonic Family Practice Residency, Chicago, IL 60640, USA. rick.guthmann-md@advocatehealth.com

Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|August 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Shorter return visit intervals correlate with better blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. Optimizing follow-up frequency can improve hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Family Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The optimal return visit interval for achieving blood pressure control in hypertensive patients remains undetermined.
  • Effective hypertension management is crucial for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between the return visit interval and the percentage change in blood pressure.
  • To determine if visit frequency influences blood pressure control in a real-world clinical setting.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study analyzing hypertensive patient charts from two urban family practice offices.
  • Inclusion of 429 patients with 7910 recorded return visit intervals.
  • Statistical analysis using Pearson's r correlation to assess the relationship between interval length and blood pressure changes.

Main Results:

  • The mean return visit interval was 79.5 days, with blood pressure control achieved in 34.5% of visits.
  • A small but statistically significant negative correlation was found between return visit interval and percent change in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • Shorter intervals were associated with greater reductions in blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Return visit interval is a potentially significant factor in managing hypertension.
  • Shorter, more frequent follow-up visits may be a valuable tool for improving blood pressure control.
  • Further research could refine optimal visit scheduling for hypertensive patients.

More Related Videos

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis07:51

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

Published on: September 26, 2018

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension05:57

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.