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Decrease of blood pressure by community-based strategies
Martín R Salazar1, Horacio A Carbajal, Marcelo Aizpurúa
1Centro de Referencia Provincial de Hipertensión Arterial, Ministerio de Salud, Pcia. de Buenos Aires. salazarlandea@gmail.com
Medicina
|January 26, 2006
Summary
Community interventions significantly lowered blood pressure (BP) in a high hypertension prevalence area. These strategies improved BP control and likely reduced cardiovascular risk through accessible treatment and lifestyle advice.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Background:
- A 1997 cross-sectional study in Rauch revealed a high prevalence of hypertension with inadequate treatment and control.
- This highlighted the need for effective community-based interventions to manage blood pressure (BP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of community-based intervention activities on blood pressure (BP) levels.
- To assess changes in hypertension treatment and control rates following the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted in 2003 involving 1526 inhabitants aged 15-75 years.
- Intervention activities included medical advice, free antihypertensive drugs, public awareness campaigns, and healthy lifestyle promotion.
- Blood pressure (BP) was measured by trained nurses in participants' residences, averaging three readings.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) from 137.98 to 132.49 mm Hg (p < 0.01) and diastolic BP (DBP) from 88.73 to 81.87 mm Hg (p < 0.01) was observed.
- BP reduction occurred across all age groups and sexes, including those not on antihypertensive medication.
- The percentage of participants receiving antihypertensive drugs increased from 12.2% to 20.4% (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Community-based intervention strategies proved effective in controlling blood pressure (BP).
- These interventions likely contributed to a decrease in cardiovascular risk within the studied community.
- Sustained efforts in public health are crucial for managing hypertension prevalence.