Study on blood pressure control status and predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure among hypertensive patients under medication

• Published in: Nepal Medical College journal : NMCJ Vol. 14; no. 1; p. 56
• Main Author: Simkhada, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nepal 01.03.2012
• Subjects: Antihypertensive Agents - therapeutic use; Blood Pressure Determination; Chi-Square Distribution; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Hypertension - drug therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

Widespread treatment options are available for hypertension, but the target range of blood pressure achieved with treatment has been viewed unsatisfactory worldwide. The study was designed to see what proportion of hypertensive under medication had controlled blood pressure and to analyse basic characteristics of uncontrolled subjects and factors associated with blood pressure control status. Hypertensive subjects under medication for at least 6 months were enrolled. They were interviewed and examined. Baseline characteristics and variables to be tested were recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Among 147 hypertensive patients enrolled in the study 49 (33.33%) had controlled blood pressure and 98 (66.66%) had uncontrolled blood pressure despite medication. Blood pressure control status had no significant correlation with sex (p=0.90). The uncontrolled subjects had mean age more than the mean age of the total enrolled group (53.12 +/- 10.3 years versus 49.09 +/- 10.65 years). Physical activity (p=0.04) and adherence to therapy (p<0.01) had significant positive correlation with blood pressure control. There was significant positive correlation between blood pressure control status and awareness of target blood pressure (p=0.028), awareness of complications of uncontrolled blood pressure (p=0.019) and frequency of blood pressure check up (p<0.01). Blood pressure control in our set up was comparable to previously reported articles. By encouraging patients to adhere to therapy, to adopt physically active life style, creating awareness about the target blood pressure and complications of uncontrolled blood pressure and frequent blood pressure check up can improve the outcome.