Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

High-risk patients with hypertension: Are we doing enough?

Evelyn Chiao1, John Sobolski, Russ Krienke

  • 1Xcenda, Palm Harbor, Florida, USA.

Journal of the American Society of Hypertension : JASH
|April 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Blood pressure control is suboptimal in high-risk patients, with only 46% achieving goals. Diabetics showed particularly low control rates (28%), highlighting a need for more aggressive hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Management
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease risk is rising, particularly in patients with multiple risk factors.
  • Blood pressure (BP) control remains a significant challenge, even with available treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate real-world blood pressure goal attainment in high-risk hypertensive patients.
  • To analyze prescribing patterns of antihypertensive medications in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 1,917 hypertensive patients from primary care practices (2003-2006).
  • Analysis of BP control rates and medication classes based on risk factors: African-American ethnicity, diabetes, advanced age, and BMI ≥25 kg/m².

Main Results:

  • Overall BP control rate was 46%, significantly lower (28%) in diabetic patients.
  • Elevated systolic BP (>20 mm Hg above recommendation) occurred in 13-20% of patients.
  • While 62% received ≥2 antihypertensives, high-risk groups often received ≥3 classes (26-36%).

Conclusions:

  • Suboptimal BP control persists in high-risk hypertensive patients despite multiple antihypertensive options.
  • Increased awareness and more aggressive treatment strategies are crucial for this population to mitigate poor outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

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 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 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...
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring01:25

Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
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,...
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...