[The diagnostic-therapeutic approach to hypertension. A study of 1000 Italian physicians]

A survey was made on a sample of Italian practitioners to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to arterial hypertension. A questionnaire was distributed containing thirteen questions, that was personally completed and restituted by 919 physicians. The first datum that was evidenced was that the hypertensive patient observed by the practitioner is, in the great majority of cases, in old age. The percentage of patients with concomitant diseases (dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, cardiac failure) is very high. The blood pressure measurement is correct, especially by expert physicians. By contrast, the younger physicians tend to prescribe further diagnostic instrumental measures. The antihypertensive therapy is prescribed very accurately. According to the sample studied, the first line drugs that are more often recommended are the ACE-inhibitors, especially by younger physicians. From this survey a prualently positive judgment by the physicians emerged in relation to the available drugs for the anti-hypertensive therapy, as consequence of the observation of satisfactory therapeutic efficacy and tolerability by the patients.