Prevalence of hypertension risk factors among Hispanic Americans

A program of blood pressure screening, education, and follow-up was established to meet concerns that Hispanics were at risk for hypertension and related health problems, including access to health care and information. The program provided opportunities to gather data on hypertension risk factors and general health status of the Hispanic population. Bilingual community workers provided blood pressure screening through a door-to-door survey of 3399 adults. In addition, the workers provided general and preventive hypertension education, obtained health histories, and referred identified health problems. All 203 persons identified with hypertension were assessed further and followed by public health nurses. Of these, 67 were referred to physicians for care. Referrals for other types of health problems were made for 1603 persons. Significant risk factors identified for hypertension were excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and frequent use of processed foods. A total of 871 persons reported at least one symptom of stress.