[Awareness, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension: Pró-Saúde study, Brazil]

To evaluate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a working-age population in Brazil.

This project is part of a prospective study with employees at a university in Rio de Janeiro (Pró-Saúde Study). Based on standardized measurements of blood pressure and on the history of diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, we estimated the prevalence of hypertension in 2 384 participants from the baseline population (1999 to 2001) and determined what percentage, according to sex and age, were aware of the diagnosis of arterial hypertension, treated this condition, and had their disease controlled with anti-hypertensive drugs.

Of the population under study, 704 people (29.6%) were classified as hypertensive; of these, 573 (81.5%) were aware of their condition (88.6% of females and 71.6% of males). Of those who were aware, 445 (77.8%; 88.8% of females and 59.1% of males) were being treated with anti-hypertensive drugs. In turn, of the hypertensive subjects being treated for this condition, 287 (60.1%; 61.5% of females and 57.4% of males) were controlled. Awareness and treatment rates were lower and control was higher in those in the lowest age range.

In the study population, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were higher than has been reported by most national and international studies. Considering the fact that most individuals were aware of and treated their condition, a higher rate of hypertension control was expected. Adequate control of hypertension, especially among men, must be a priority of health programs and services.