[Differences in blood pressure measurement in the first consultations before and after implementation of the National...

This study was carried out in order to compare differences in blood pressure measurements (BPM) before and after the implementation of the program of hypertension control in Salvador, Brazil. Data concerning BPM following the program were obtained from medical records of all 846 adult patients who were seen in a first consultation basis in 5/16/91 in 23 health services. Data for the 1982 year-before the program--were published in 1984. Both studies had the same methodology. In 1991 the BP was measured in 29.1% of the 846 patients. Taking into account the same services included in both studies, the frequency of BPM in 1991 reached 35.9%, 92.0% more than the 18.7% observed in 1982. Lower frequencies of BPM were seen in the State health services all showing reduction in the BPM frequencies as compared to 1982 data. The two hospitals associated to the "Sistema Unico de Saúde" had a bad performance. Patients with ill defined diseases and those surveyed about previous history of hypertension reached the highest frequencies of BPM (85.4 and 83.3% respectively). Strategies in order to improve the BPM in the routine medical work as contributor to the reduction of morbidity and mortality by the complications of hypertension are suggested.