Hypertension guideline implementation and blood pressure control in Matlosana, South Africa

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• High systolic blood pressure is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases globally and in South Africa.
• Limited data exists on hypertension guideline implementation and blood pressure control in Matlosana Sub-district, North West province, South Africa.
• Cardiovascular disease prevention strategies require effective hypertension management in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of the South African Hypertension Practice Guideline (SAHPG).
• To assess blood pressure (BP) control among adult patients with hypertension attending primary care facilities in Matlosana.
• To identify gaps in hypertension management and identify areas for quality improvement.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• 523 randomly sampled medical records were analyzed.
• Data included demographics, BP readings, anthropometry, screening for target organ damage, complications, comorbidities, lifestyle advice, and drug therapy.

Main Results:

• The mean age of participants was 56.77 years, with 71.9% females.
• Blood pressure control was documented in only 43.8% of records.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was the most common comorbidity, with better BP control observed in HIV-positive patients.

Conclusions:

• There is poor documentation of SAHPG recommendations in patient records.
• Blood pressure control is suboptimal in the studied population.
• Screening for target organ damage and hypertension complications requires improvement; ongoing quality improvement programs are essential.