Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
 170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The objective of the study was to estimate the control of elevated blood pressure (BP) among patients regularly followed-up and to analyse physicians attitudes in patients having uncontrolled BP. Two hundred and fifty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 56 years, 58% of males) with essential hypertension attending the outpatient department of a specialised hypertension clinic, having at least a 6-month follow-up at the clinic and at least 3 prior visits, were included in the study. Twelve different physicians were in charge of these patients. Data were collected [1] from the structured computerised record called ARTEMIS and [2] from a structured questionnaire filled up by the physician after each visit, where he/she explained the reasons for his/her decisions. BP was measured by a nurse using an automatic device (oscillometric method) and then by a physician using a mercury sphygmomanometer. During follow-up, mean physician's BP fell from 179/107 to 148/91 mmHg and mean nurse BP fell from 164/96 to 143/83 mmHg. Percentages of patients having a controlled hypertension (BP < 140/90 mmHg) were 27% (physician's BP) and 45% (nurse BP). Physicians did not modify treatment in 59% of patients among whom they measured a BP > or = 140/90 mmHg. The 3 main reasons given by physicians for not modifying treatment were: BP controlled when using other BP measurement methods (nurse, home or ambulatory BP), 44%; BP control considered as satisfactory, 29%; systolic hypertension in the elderly, 8%. The person (physician or nurse) who measures BP and the measurement method have dramatic consequences on BP control level. Reasons for not modifying treatment in uncontrolled patients (physician's BP > or = 140/90 mmHg) were based on opinions rather than evidence, for example when isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly is concerned.
 ...
PMID:[Audit of the treatment of arterial hypertension in specialized consultation]. 1048 63


<< Previous 1 2