[Non-pharmacological management of hypertension in Southern Brazil]

A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out among individuals aged 20 to 69 years in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The objective was to analyze characteristics of hypertensive patients in relation to management of arterial hypertension. Among the 1,968 interviewees, 380 were hypertensive (19.3%), and 44.1% of these always consulted the same physician. Of the entire sample, 85.5% were sedentary, 48.2% showed excessive fat consumption, and 47.4% smoked. Most physicians recommend the following: lowering salt consumption (98.4%), cessation of alcohol consumption (93.7%), for losing weight, diet and consumption of low-fat food (88.2%), smoking cessation (73.2%), and physical activity (68.9%). The clinical management was classified as inadequate in 284 individuals (74.7%). Increased probability of adequate management was found among: women, individuals > 50 years, upper and middle-class patients, non-smokers, and patients with diabetes mellitus. Some findings showed positive aspects, but differences according to socioeconomic status evidenced lack of equity in care.