Treatment of hypertension: the view from general practice

All patients aged 35-64 years on a computerized age/sex register at Mornington Health Centre, Dunedin, were invited to meet with a Research Nurse for the assessment of their blood pressure. Results are presented from the 1,335 people attending (57% response). These show that 33 people (2%) had hitherto undiagnosed hypertension and that 157 (12%) had their hypertension diagnosed and treated. Evidence will also be presented of the level of control that indicates a marked improvement in published figures on the level of identification, treatment, and control in a community-based group.