The prognostic value of blood pressure control delay in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients

Various studies have suggested that a delay in the time between diagnosing hypertension and its correct control (D-C, diagnostic-control time) is linked to a worse prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between D-C time and all-cause mortality, or the incidence of cardiovascular events, in patients more than 60 years newly diagnosed with hypertension.

This is a longitudinal, retrospective, population study employing data gathered from the electronic medical records of patients recently diagnosed with hypertension in 45 primary healthcare centres located in Barcelona (Catalonia). A multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression models were constructed. Goodness-of-fit was assessed through the Hosmer & Lemeshow test.

A total of 18 721 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients were included between 2007 and 2012. The follow-up lasted until October 2015, or the appearance of a cardiovascular event or death because of any cause. The median D-C time was 49 days and its distribution by tertiles was the following: 29 days or less, 30-124 days, and at least 125 days. Higher hypertensive status, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and male sex were independently associated with longer D-C time (≥125 days). At 5.4 years follow-up, patients with longer D-C times presented statistically significant greater incidence of all-cause mortality.

A delay in blood pressure control is significantly associated with an increase in the rate of all-cause mortality.