Related Experiment Videos

A cross-sectional study of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients in general practice (the I-TARGET study)

Brian Rayner1, Hermanus S Schoeman

  • 1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, South Africa. brian.rayner@uct.ac.za

Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|August 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension control rates in South Africa were 61.2%, but physician inertia and suboptimal guideline adherence were identified. Improving these factors is crucial for better blood pressure management in hypertensive patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • General Practice

Background:

  • Hypertension control remains suboptimal despite available treatments.
  • Physician inertia is a significant factor contributing to poor blood pressure control.
  • This study investigated hypertension control levels and reasons for inadequate control in South Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess blood pressure control rates in South African general practices.
  • To identify factors contributing to uncontrolled hypertension.
  • To evaluate adherence to treatment guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • A multi-centre, cross-sectional study involving 15 general practices in South Africa.
  • Inclusion of 451 treated hypertensive patients over 18 years old.
  • Data collection on patient demographics, comorbidities, treatment regimens, and blood pressure control.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 61.2% of patients achieved the target blood pressure (< 140/90 mmHg).
  • A significant proportion of patients (71.4%) had comorbidities, with 37.9% having multiple.
  • Physician inertia was noted, with 22.9% of uncontrolled patients having no action plan and 39.4% advised only lifestyle changes.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension control rates in this South African cohort were comparable to other studies.
  • Deficiencies include physician inertia and inconsistent application of guidelines.
  • Optimizing treatment requires greater physician awareness and adherence to local and international guidelines.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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 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.
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,...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
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 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...