Effectiveness of primary health care in the diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension

Abstract

Arterial hypertension (AHT) is a significant public health problem due to its high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and its economic and social costs. Background. To identify the prevalence of AHT detected in primary care and its degree of control; to determine the types of treatment used and factors associated with its control. Patients and methods. Transversal comparative study of two years in the Villava Health Centre. The computerised clinical history data for the years 2003 and 2006 was analysed. The following variables were studied: age, gender, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, tobacco use, body mass index in both years. Hypotensor treatment in the year 2006. The variables for the year 2006 associated with good control were identified through logistic regression. Results. AHT prevalence detected in ³18 year olds: 2003: 11.6% (CI:10.9-12.3); 2006: 16.6% (CI:15.8-17.4) (p<0.001). Control of hypertense persons with a register of arterial tension (AP:<140/90) in 2003: 45.1% (CI: 41.0-48.0) and in 2006: 40.4% (CI: 37.7-43.2) (p<0.05). Variables associated with good control: being male [OR 1.60 (IC: 1.26-2.03)] treatment with ARA II [OR 2.16 (CI: 1.50-3.09)] and being diabetic [OR 1.50 (CI: 1.10-2.03]. Associated with poor control: presenting cerebral vascular disease, peripheral vasculopathy and treatment with ACE inhibitors. Conclusions. A low prevalence of AHT was detected. The level of control was higher for the DAP than for the SAP. Treatment with AIIRA, being male and being diabetic were associated with a better control. Peripheral vasculopathy, ichaemic cardiopathy, cerebral vascular disease, ACE inhibitors use and age were associated with a poorer control.