Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 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

Uncontrolled arterial hypertension in primary care--patient characteristics and associated factors

Corinne Chmiel1, Mathyas Wang, Oliver Senn

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich and Institute of General Practice, University of Zurich, Switzerland. corinne.chmiel@usz.ch

Swiss Medical Weekly
|November 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

In Swiss primary care, high BMI and smoking are key factors for uncontrolled high blood pressure. Optimal pharmacological treatment and risk factor management are crucial for better blood pressure control.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Primary Care Medicine
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Arterial hypertension management is predominantly a primary care responsibility.
  • Assessing uncontrolled hypertension and its determinants in Swiss primary care is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate patient characteristics associated with uncontrolled arterial hypertension.
  • To identify determinants of uncontrolled hypertension in a Swiss primary care setting.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of baseline data from 122 adult patients in the "CoCo" trial (Colour-coded Blood Pressure Control).
  • Inclusion criteria: uncontrolled hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg).
  • Patient and general practitioner characteristics were analyzed for associations with blood pressure.

Main Results:

  • Key patient demographics: median age 64, 50% male, median BMI 28.3 kg/m², 21.5% smokers.
  • High prevalence of home blood pressure measurement (65.6%) and pharmacological treatment (88.5%), with 41.8% on monotherapy.
  • Independent predictors for elevated systolic blood pressure included BMI, smoking, and age.
  • Age and number of antihypertensive substances were inversely correlated with diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Smoking and high BMI are significant independent factors contributing to elevated blood pressure in uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Findings underscore the need for effective pharmacological treatment and robust risk factor modification.
  • Suboptimal treatment intensification suggests room for improvement in antihypertensive regimens.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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 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...
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:
Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
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.