| For medical practitioners and the general public - High Blood Pressure Journal Article Catalog. |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
| First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page |
| Symptomatic therapy of high blood pressure. Krupitz, W. (1951), Wien Med Wochenschr 101(12): 227. |
| Symptoms and the discovery of high blood pressure Robinson, J. O. (1969), J Psychosom Res 13(2): 157-61. |
| Systematic detection and care of children with high blood pressure Briedigkeit, W., U. Dahlke, et al. (1983), Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena) 77(18): 767-9. |
| Systemic blood pressure in white men born at sea level: changes after long residence at high altitudes Marticorena, E., L. Ruiz, et al. (1969), Am J Cardiol 23(3): 364-8. |
| Systems behavior, feed-back loops, and high blood pressure research Peterson, L. H. (1963), Circ Res 2: 585-96. |
| The 1984 JNC report on hypertension (Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) Gifford, R. W., Jr. (1984), Cleve Clin Q 51(3): 515-6. |
| The 2000 Canadian recommendations for the management of hypertension: part two--diagnosis and assessment of people with high blood pressure Zarnke, K. B., M. Levine, et al. (2001), Can J Cardiol 17(12): 1249-63. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To provide updated, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and assessment of high blood pressure in adults. OPTIONS: For people with high blood pressure, the assignment of a diagnosis of hypertension depends on the appropriate measurement of blood pressure, the level of the blood pressure elevation, the duration of follow-up and the presence of concomitant vascular risk factors, target organ damage and established atherosclerotic diseases. For people diagnosed with hypertension, defining the overall risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes requires laboratory testing, a search for target organ damage and an assessment of the modifiable causes of hypertension. Out-of-clinic blood pressure assessment and echocardiography are options for selected patients. OUTCOMES: People at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and were identified and quantified. EVIDENCE: Medline searches were conducted from the period of the last revision of the Canadian recommendations for the management of hypertension (May 1998 to October 2000). Reference lists were scanned, experts were polled, and the personal files of the subgroup members and authors were used to identify other studies. All relevant articles were reviewed and appraised, using prespecified levels of evidence, by content experts and methodological experts. VALUES: A high value was placed on the identification of people at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. BENEFITS, HARMS AND COSTS: The identification of people at higher risk of cardiovascular disease will permit counselling for lifestyle manoeuvres and the introduction of antihypertensive drugs to reduce blood pressure for patients with sustained hypertension. In certain settings, and for specific classes of drugs, blood pressure lowering has been associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and/or mortality. RECOMMENDATIONS: The present document contains detailed recommendations pertaining to aspects of the diagnosis and assessment of patients with hypertension, including the accurate measurement of blood pressure, criteria for the diagnosis of hypertension and recommendations for follow-up, routine and optional laboratory testing, assessment for renovascular hypertension, home and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and the role of echocardiography in hypertension. VALIDATION: All recommendations were graded according to strength of the evidence and voted on by the Canadian Hypertension Recommendations Working Group. Only the recommendations achieving high levels of consensus are reported here. These guidelines will be updated annually. ENDORSEMENT: These recommendations are endorsed by the Canadian Hypertension Society, The Canadian Coalition for High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, The Adult Disease Division and Bureau of Cardio-Respiratory Diseases and Diabetes at the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control of Health Canada. |
| The 894T allele of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is related to left ventricular mass in African Americans with high-normal blood pressure Lapu-Bula, R., A. Quarshie, et al. (2005), J Natl Med Assoc 97(2): 197-205. Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The 894T allele in exon 7 of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene has been inconsistently associated with hypertension in different racial groups. Because high-normal blood pressure (BP) confers an increased risk for the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders, including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), we tested the hypothesis that the allelic variation (894T) in the eNOS gene would directly correlate with alterations in LV mass (LVM) in individuals with high-normal BP. METHODS: Genotype distribution of G894T was compared between 20 African Americans (10 females/10 males) with high-normal BP (systolic BP of 130-139 and/or diastolic BP of 85-89 mmHg) and 64 counterparts (37 females/27 males) with normal BP (<130/85 mmHg). Echocardiographic LVM was calculated (Devereux formula) and indexed to body surface area to define the presence of LVH (LVMI >134/110 g/m2 for men/women). RESULTS: For the entire group, the 894T allelic frequencies (15, 48%) and G894T genotype distributions were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations (estimated disequilibrium coefficient = 0.0118, P=0.40). LVMI was significantly higher in homozygous carriers (TT) of the rare 894T allele (n = 3 females/0 males) than in heterozygous GT (n = 13 females/7 males) and individuals bearing the GG (n=34 females/27 males) variant (124 +/- 70 vs. 82 +/- 24 and 82 +/- 19 g/m2, respectively, P < 0.05). The observed relationship between eNOS 894T allele and LVMI was restricted to individuals with high-normal BP (r = 0.94, P = 0.03) but not in those with normal BP (r = 0.39, P =0.64), by analysis of variance (ANOVA) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking and systolic BP. CONCLUSION: These findings, not previously described, provide important preliminary evidence to suggest an increased susceptibility to LVH in African Americans who carry the 894T variant of the eNOS gene and have high-normal blood pressure. |
| The ALLHAT Trial. Diuretics are still the preferred initial drugs for high blood pressure Vidt, D. G. (2003), Cleve Clin J Med 70(3): 263-9. Abstract: The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) compared four antihypertensive agents in patients 55 years and older: chlorthalidone, doxazosin, amlodipine, and lisinopril. The doxazosin arm was terminated early because of an excess of congestive heart failure. Chlorthalidone was at least equivalent to amlodipine and lisinopril in all of the outcomes measured, and was better in some, notably heart failure. |
| The angiotensin I converting enzyme gene and predisposition to high blood pressure Harrap, S. B., H. R. Davidson, et al. (1993), Hypertension 21(4): 455-60. Abstract: Phenotypic abnormalities of the renin-angiotensin system have been associated with the predisposition to high blood pressure. The angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been implicated as a candidate gene. We examined the distribution of common alleles of the ACE gene and measured circulating components of the renin-angiotensin system and urinary sodium excretion in 170 young Caucasian adults with contrasting genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. Predisposition was defined on the basis of personal and parental blood pressure levels by using the four corners sampling method. Young adults with greatest predisposition who had high blood pressure and two parents with high blood pressure did not show any significant difference in the distribution of the markers of the ACE gene, either as genotype or allele frequencies, when compared with young adults with least predisposition who had low blood pressure and two parents with low blood pressure. Offspring with urinary sodium excretion above the median (143.4 mmol per day) also showed no significant differences in the distribution of ACE alleles or genotype between groups. Different genotypes were associated with different average serum ACE concentrations (p < 0.0001), but plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone showed no significant variation with ACE genotype. These results suggest that in a group of Caucasians selected from the general population, the ACE gene is not associated with genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. In this population common ACE gene allelic markers would not be useful indexes of susceptibility to hypertension. |
| The association between high blood pressure, physical fitness, and body mass index in adolescents Nielsen, G. A. and L. B. Andersen (2003), Prev Med 36(2): 229-34. Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the association of fitness and fatness with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension.This was a cross-sectional study of 13,557 boys and girls 15-20 years of age. Fitness was estimated from a shuttle run test, fatness from body mass index (BMI), and BP was measured sitting after 5 min of rest. Other lifestyle variables were self-reported. RESULTS: Boys had a higher systolic BP (SBP) than girls. A low physical fitness level and high BMI were independently associated with a high BP and risk of having hypertension in both girls and boys. Interaction was found between BMI and fitness. In a stratified analysis an odds ratio (OR) of 3.99 was found for hypertension in girls with a BMI > 25 kg m(-2) compared to lean girls if all had a low fitness level, and an OR of 2.14 for a high BMI in girls with a high fitness level. In boys, OR for high versus low BMI were 3.23 in the low fit and 2.34 and 2.50 in the middle and upper tertile of fitness, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fitness and BMI were independently associated to BP. BMI was a stronger predictor of hypertension in those with a low fitness level, especially in girls. |
| The association between racism and high blood pressure among African Americans Boutain, D. M. and C. Cooke (2001), Ethn Dis 11(4): 793-9. Abstract: National attention is currently being directed toward assessing the association between racism as a stressor and high blood pressure (HBP) among African Americans. Within this context, however, very little research is designed to elucidate the viewpoints of African Americans with HBP on this topic area. The purpose of this article is to explore, critique, and elaborate upon the study of racism as it relates to HBP research. The first portion of this paper reviews the existing literature in this field. Limitations of the current research are outlined. Insights gained as 30 African Americans with HBP talked about racism as a stressor and how it affected their health are subsequently highlighted. Lastly, suggestions for future studies on racism and HBP are postulated. |
| The Austin Doyle Lecture, High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia. Renal disease as a metaphor: towards a more integrated view of aboriginal health Hoy, W. E. (1998), Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 25(12): 1038-42. Abstract: 1. The health of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory of Australia is among the worst in the world, with mortality rates increased in every 'disease-specific' category and averaging overall approximately five-fold those of non-Aboriginal Australians. Health services, which in most regions are rudimentary, fragmented and under-resourced, have been slow to recognize and meet this challenge. However, the cost implications of an epidemic of renal failure have stimulated concern that broader mortality statistics could not. 2. In one high-risk Aboriginal community, we found that renal disease can be detected and its course chartered by a simple and reliable screening test. Renal disease arises out of a broad menu of risk factors that reflect poverty, disadvantage and accelerated lifestyle changes and its expression is progressively amplified with the simultaneous operation of more than one risk factor. It is intimately related to other 'diseases' through shared risk factors and pathophysiology. We also found that people with established renal disease participated enthusiastically in a pharmacological treatment programme, with excellent clinical responses that predict a marked reduction in renal failure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over the intermediate term. 3. It is likely that most other causes of excess mortality in Aboriginal people are, like renal disease, multideterminant, with a substantial base of shared risk factors. They are probably equally susceptible to modification. We must move away from 'single-cause' disease models, eliminate counterproductive specialty barriers and rectify the unbalanced focus and resource commitment to hospital-based, high technology treatments of people with advanced and irreversible disease. We must advocate for coherent, sustained, integrated public health and primary care programmes to improve the whole health profile and for screening and treatment programmes to modify the course of disease in people already afflicted. |
| The Bergen Blood Pressure Study: blood pressure changes, target organ damage and mortality in subjects with high and low blood pressure over 27 years Mo, R., P. Omvik, et al. (1993), Blood Press 2(2): 113-23. Abstract: Based on the Bergen population screening in 1963-64, 344 married couples (688 subjects), then aged 30-69 years, were included for studies in families with a history of hypertension or normotension. In 1990 430 subjects were available to a follow-up examination. The present paper describes 27-year mortality, blood pressure (BP) changes, cardiovascular disease and target organ damage in this population. In males who were hypertensive by the 1963-64 screening BP, the all-cause 27-year mortality was three times higher than in initially normotensive males (p < 0.05). From 1963-64 to 1990, the systolic BP was generally increased, whereas the diastolic BP was decreased in initially hypertensive and increased in initially normotensive subjects. In subjects who were hypertensive in 1963-64, the relative risk of hypertension in 1990 was more than seven times higher than in initially normotensive subjects (p < 0.05), cardiovascular events were reported more often (p < 0.001), and the mean electrocardiographic left ventricular voltage was higher (p < 0.01). Proteinuria was more frequent in initially hypertensive than normotensive males (p < 0.01). In summary, hypertension defined by a single BP recording at the 1963-64 screening was a risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular morbidity and, for males, all-cause mortality 27 years later. With respect to offspring studies, our findings substantiate the classification of hypertensive and normotensive families. From 1963-64 to 1990, the BP status had changed in several couples, and the long observation period seems mandatory if a reliable definition of the family history of hypertension or normotension is to be obtained. |
| The blood pressure-raising effects of high dietary sodium intake: racial differences and the role of potassium Weinberger, M. H., F. C. Luft, et al. (1982), J Am Coll Nutr 1(2): 139-48. Abstract: Fourteen normotensive men (7 black, 7 white) were studied following equilibration during dietary sodium intake of 10, 300, 600, 800, 1200, and 1500 mEq sodium per day. Significant (p less than 0.05) increases in mean arterial blood pressure were seen after sodium intake of 800 mEq/d. Blood pressure increased at lower levels of sodium intake (800 mEq/d) and to a greater magnitude (21 mm Hg) in blacks than in whites (1200 mEq/d; 13 mm Hg). Sodium loading was associated with marked suppression of plasma renin activity, aldosterone and norepinephrine, and increases in cardiac index. At higher levels of sodium intake urinary potassium loss was seen. A subsequent experiment replacing urinary potassium losses as they occurred in six subjects demonstrated attenuation of the blood pressure increases seen in response to dietary sodium loading. These studies demonstrate a potential role for sodium and potassium in blood pressure regulation in normotensive man, and suggest that heterogeneity of response may be involved in the development of hypertension in individuals predisposed to avid sodium conservation. |
| The brachial to digital blood pressure gradient in normal subjects and in patients with high blood pressure Gaskell, P. and A. M. Krisman (1958), Can J Biochem Physiol 36(9): 889-93. |
| The Canadian consensus report on non-pharmacological approaches to the management of high blood pressure Fodor, J. G. and A. Chockalingam (1990), Clin Exp Hypertens A 12(5): 729-43. Abstract: The Canadian Consensus Conference on Non-Pharmacological Approaches to the Management of High Blood Pressure reviewed in March, 1989 on its meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, data concerning the efficacy of eight interventional strategies used for controlling hypertension. These strategies were as follows: alcohol restriction, weight reduction, physical exercise, reduction of salt intake, relaxation/stress management, increase of potassium and calcium intake and combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. The Panel of the Consensus Conference recommended as efficacious the following interventions: alcohol restriction for less than two standard drinks per day, reduction of excessive body weight, and reduction of salt intake. There is sufficient scientific evidence for recommending potassium rich diet for normotensives and hypertensive persons. The Panel also concluded that a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management is an efficacious measure. The Panel at this point of time could not issue recommendations as to the value of relaxation/stress management, physical exercise and calcium intake. |
| The cardiovascular effect of vasopressin in relation to its plasma concentration in man and its relevance to high blood pressure Khokhar, A. M., J. D. Slater, et al. (1980), Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 13(3): 259-66. Abstract: The cardiovascular response and the changes of plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration following graded doses of AVP infused intravenously have been defined in six normal young men. The same measurements were also made during fluid deprivation in a patient with both nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and systemic hypertension. When, following AVP infusion, mean diastolic arterial pressure increased from 72 +/- 3 mmHg (SEM) to 78 +/- 2 mmHg (SEM) in the normal subject group, mean plasma AVP increased by 14.5 fmol/ml. When the patient was deprived of water, diastolic pressure increased, despite the fluid loss, from 90 to 105 mmHg, with a comparable increase of plasma AVP concentration of 15.3 fmol/ml. Further increases of plasma AVP concentration in either the normal subjects or in the patient were not associated with further increments of arterial pressure. We suggest that under pathophysiological circumstances in man plasma AVP concentrations may achieve levels which have a significant cardiovascular effect. |
| The case for treating hypertension and the Connecticut High Blood Pressure Program Ostfeld, A. M. and D. D'Atri (1975), Conn Med 39(5): 306-8. |
| The central nervous system mediation of psychological stress in the development of high blood pressure Harris, R. E. and R. P. Forsyth (1970), Act Nerv Super (Praha) 12(2): 176. |
| The challenge of high blood pressure control Fink, J. W. (1981), Nurs Clin North Am 16(2): 301-8. |
| The changing role of a commission directed toward high blood pressure control: the Maryland experience Russell, R. P. and C. Lewis (1983), Md State Med J 32(5): 368-72. |
| The Churchill high blood pressure screening project Cummings, C. (1975), J Natl Med Assoc 67(3): 246-7. |
| The combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blocker labetalol and propranolol in the treatment of high blood pressure: similarities and differences Weber, M. A., J. I. Drayer, et al. (1984), J Clin Pharmacol 24(2-3): 103-12. Abstract: Labetalol, an agent with both alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor blocking properties, and the beta blocker propranolol were each given for one month to groups of 15 patients with essential hypertension. With either treatment, 11 of the 15 patients experienced decreased supine diastolic blood pressure to less than 90 mm Hg without evidence of fluid retention. Propranolol significantly increased plasma concentrations of uric acid and potassium, whereas labetalol significantly increased plasma concentration of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and decreased the total cholesterol:HDL ratio; neither drug significantly changed renal function. During three additional months of labetalol treatment, there was a slight tendency to orthostatic decreases in systolic blood pressure as compared with the values after the initial month. Labetalol had variable effects on plasma renin activity and aldosterone excretion, but within individual patients the values were constant; there were close correlations between changes measured after one month and after four months for both renin (r = 0.86) and aldosterone (r = 0.94). The manifestations of labetalol's alpha-blocking component appeared to be a small postural effect on systolic blood pressure and an increase in plasma HDL. |
| The complex relationship between nocturnal obstructive apnea and high blood pressure. The eternal question of the chicken and the egg Polonia, J. (2000), Rev Port Cardiol 19(10): 1007-12. |
| The concentration of serum lipids and lipoprotein in children with high and normal blood pressure and in obese and normal weight children Wu, H. R., Y. Yang, et al. (1988), J Tongji Med Univ 8(2): 110-3. |
| The Connecticut high blood pressure program: a program of public education and high blood pressure screening D'Atri, D. A., E. F. Fitzgerald, et al. (1980), Prev Med 9(1): 91-107. |
| The consistency of various high blood pressure indicators based on questionnaire and physical measures data from the Canada Health Survey Gentleman, J. F. and M. Tomiak (1992), Health Rep 4(3): 293-311. Abstract: Several indicators of the presence of high blood pressure, taken from different parts of Canada Health Survey data, are compared at the individual respondent level to determine their consistency and their usefulness, alone or in combination, in measuring the prevalence of hypertension. The results demonstrate some systematic and substantial discrepancies among various high blood pressure indicators derived from questionnaire data, and between questionnaire data and physically measured blood pressure status. |
| The contexts of adherence for African Americans with high blood pressure Rose, L. E., M. T. Kim, et al. (2000), J Adv Nurs 32(3): 587-94. Abstract: The contexts of adherence for African Americans with high blood pressure African American men between the ages of 18 and 49 years have the lowest rates of awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure (HBP) of all age/race/gender groups in the United States. A qualitative study was done to gain an understanding of urban black males' experiences of living with HBP. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 black males. The interviews explored perceptions of health, health problems and priorities, and concerns of daily living that influenced appointment keeping and medication taking. The sample was a subset of 309 men participating in a 3-year clinical trial to improve HBP control in an inner city African-American population. Content analysis of transcribed interviews identified the following themes and related concerns: (a) personal contexts: meaning of health, high blood pressure and treatments; (b) social context: living as a young black male in an urban environment; and (c) cultural context of relating: patient-provider relationship can make a difference. Influencing participants' responses were: interpreting symptoms; adjusting medication taking; protecting personal privacy; allocating limited resources; dealing with addiction; and feeling cared for by a health care provider. Adherence appeared to be multifaceted and changing depending upon: the men's social, economic and personal circumstances; empathetic and non-judgemental assistance from providers; financial concerns and employment; and drug addiction. Findings are useful in refining high blood pressure interventions. |
| The control of high blood pressure during labour with clonidine ("catapres") Johnston, C. I. and D. R. Aickin (1971), Med J Aust 2(3): 132-5. |
| The Council for High Blood Pressure Research. Its origin and purposes Page, I. H. (1988), Hypertension 11(6 Pt 2): 763-6. |
| The DASH diet for high blood pressure: from clinical trial to dinner table Karanja, N., T. P. Erlinger, et al. (2004), Cleve Clin J Med 71(9): 745-53. Abstract: Three recent studies show that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lowfat dairy products and low in fat, refined carbohydrates, and sodium can lower blood pressure either alone or in combination with other lifestyle changes. These studies have greatly expanded our knowledge of nonpharmacologic interventions to prevent and manage hypertension. They also underscore the need for diet and lifestyle counseling in the primary care setting. |
| The dental profession's role in programs for detection of high blood pressure Selwitz, R. H. (1977), J Public Health Dent 37(4): 253-65. |
| The dentist's role in high blood pressure detection. Why dentists Hebert, M. (1977), J Dent Que 14(3): 6. |
| The dentist's role in the control of high blood pressure Moser, M. (1978), J Prev Dent 5(6): 12-4. |
| The determinants and prognostic significance of serum uric acid in elderly patients of the European Working Party on High Blood Pressure in the Elderly trial Staessen, J. (1991), Am J Med 90(3A): 50S-54S. Abstract: Determinants and risks associated with serum uric acid were investigated in 822 elderly hypertensive patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene or placebo. Pretreatment serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in men than in women and had positive correlation with serum creatinine. After adjustment for serum creatinine, positive correlations of serum uric acid with body weight and fasting blood glucose in women and with serum cholesterol in men were significant. During follow-up, serum uric acid increased significantly in the treated patients, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. Total, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality were unrelated to initial serum uric acid levels. One placebo patient and seven treated patients developed gout. Of those seven, most were male patients and had significantly higher serum levels of uric acid and creatinine than the other patients. Gender and renal function were the major determinants of serum uric acid in elderly hypertensive patients. |
| The determination of cyclosporin A concentration in whole blood by high-pressure liquid chromatography on the Milikhrom-1 microcolumn chromatograph Sukhanov, A. V. and I. N. Shoikhet (1993), Klin Lab Diagn(6): 7-9. Abstract: The suggested method permits a qualitative separation of cyclosporin A using Milichrome-1 microcolumn chromatograph. The eluent employed yields good results at ambient temperature, this prolonging the length of column service. The method is sufficiently accurate, well reproducible, and convenient for clinical use. |
| The Doryl high blood pressure test on analysis of hypertension. Maly, G. A. (1954), Munch Med Wochenschr 96(9): 231-2. |
| The Edgecombe County (NC) High Blood Pressure Control Program: II. Barriers to the use of medical care among hypertensives James, S. A., E. H. Wagner, et al. (1984), Am J Public Health 74(5): 468-72. Abstract: As the initial step in a five-year project to improve control of high blood pressure in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, a survey was conducted in 1980 to determine the prevalence of hypertension and to identify factors which might constitute barriers to the use of medical care by hypertensives. This report summarizes the findings for the 539 hypertensives identified through the baseline survey. In general, Black hypertensives reported more access problems than Whites. Within race, however, males and females differed very little on selected measures of potential access to medical care. Among women, lower scores on potential access were strongly associated with being untreated, whereas for men, concerns about the safety of anti-hypertensive drug therapy were associated with being unaware. On a summary measure of the actual use of medical care in response to symptoms, both male and female treated hypertensives scored higher than their untreated counterparts. The implications of these and other findings for community-based blood pressure control activities are discussed. |
| The Edgecombe County High Blood Pressure Control Program: I. Correlates of uncontrolled hypertension at baseline Wagner, E. H., S. A. James, et al. (1984), Am J Public Health 74(3): 237-42. Abstract: To guide the planning of a multifacetted hypertension control program in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, a baseline survey of a stratified (by township) random sample of 1,000 households was conducted. All adults (greater than or equal to 18 years) were interviewed and had their blood pressures (BP) measured. Five hundred thirty-nine individuals, 27 per cent of the survey population, had diastolic BP greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg or were receiving anti-hypertensive drug therapy. The 539 hypertensives were divided into seven subgroups reflecting successive stages in the control of hypertension based on the awareness, treatment, and control of their hypertension. Unaware hypertensives were further subdivided into three groups according to the recency of their last BP check, and those aware but untreated were subdivided by whether they had previously received treatment. The seven subgroups of hypertensives were compared, separately for women and men, with respect to sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and health status. In general, the progression from undetected hypertension to treatment and control appeared to be associated with being older, female, and White. This progression was further associated with greater educational levels and higher family incomes among women and increasing self-reported morbidity among men. The implications for intervention of these and other described associations are discussed. |