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Outcome of blood pressure control
1Department of Medicine, Ostra Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
High blood pressure (hypertension) increases complication risks, with most cardiovascular issues occurring at moderate levels. Current treatments effectively prevent stroke but are less effective for coronary heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications, with risk escalating with blood pressure levels.
- Associated metabolic abnormalities are not impacted by antihypertensive therapies.
Framework:
- Focuses on WHO Europe's program assessing hypertension awareness, care adequacy, patient satisfaction, and physician knowledge.
- Reviews the effectiveness of current antihypertensive treatments on stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Implementation:
- Evaluates patient satisfaction and physician attitudes towards hypertension management.
- Assesses the utilization of hypotensive drugs within communities.
Implications:
- Current antihypertensive treatments are more effective for stroke prevention than for reducing coronary heart disease complications.
- Discusses quality of life and economic factors related to blood pressure management.
Abstract:
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is associated with increased risk for several complications, and the risk is gradually increasing from the lowest to the highest blood pressure levels. Elevated blood pressure is associated with metabolic and other abnormalities which are not affected by antihypertensive treatment. The majority of cardiovascular complications are found among individuals with only moderately elevated blood pressure levels. The antihypertensive treatment principles of today are effective against stroke but considerably less so against coronary heart disease complications. A programme launched by WHO Europe has measured the awareness of hypertension in various communities, the adequacy of care, the patients' satisfaction with the care, physicians' knowledge and attitudes and the utilization of hypotensive drugs. The impact of antihypertensive treatment on stroke and coronary heart disease, which latter are the most common, is reviewed. Quality of life effects of blood pressure treatment as well as some economic aspects are discussed.