Vol 8, No 5 (2004)
Original paper
Published online: 2004-11-15
Prospective observation of arterial hypertension prevalence and treatment effectiveness in a cohort of Gdańsk Port workers
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2004;8(5):319-325.
Abstract
Background Uncontrolled arterial hypertension leads to numerous cardiovascular and renal complications. Prevention and early detection of arterial hypertension
as well as proper blood pressure control may significantly limit that problem.
Material and methods We have examined 511 consecutive Gdansk Port workers during their routine medical check up who did not have any symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The group consisted of 403 men aged 44.9 ± 9 years, range 23-73 years, median 45 years and 108 women aged 44.1 ± 7 years, range 25-62 years, median 43 years. We obtained history, measured blood pressure twice in the sitting position after 10 minutes rest and registered EKG. The examination was repeated after 7 years.
Results Initially the mean SBP was 132.3 ± 20 mm Hg (133.8 ± 20 mm Hg in men and 126.9 ± 20 in women, p < 0.005), DBP 84.1 ± 12 mm Hg (84.5 ± 12 mm Hg in men and 82.7 ± 12 in women, NS). After 7 years in the control examination the mean SBP was 135.4 ± 19 mm Hg (136.3 ± 18 mm Hg in men and 132.4 ± 20 in women, NS), DBP 85.8 ± 11 mm Hg (86.5 ± 11 mm Hg in men and 83.2 ± 11 in women, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the distribution of blood pressure values into categories of normal blood pressure and hypertension. During the follow up period arterial hypertension was diagnosed and treated in 122 subjects (99 men and 22 women). The proper blood pressure control was achieved only in 28.7% treated patients (32.3% men and 13.0% women, NS). In the first examination blood pressure values allowing diagnosis of isolated systolic hypertension were observed in 37 (7.2%) subjects, 31 (7.7%) men and 6 (5.6%) women (NS). After 7 years in the follow up examination similar values were observed in 45 (8.8%) subjects, 32 (7.9%) men and 13 (12.0%) women (NS). In the initial examination in men and in both examinations in women there were no ECG signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. In the follow up examination in men the ECG signs of left ventricular hypertrophy were observed in 31 (7.6%) men, 20 (7.9%) in the younger group and 11 (4.7%) in the older group (NS).
Conclusion The prevalence of undiagnosed arterial hypertension is still high. The control of blood pressure during hypotensive treatment seems to improve in Poland.
Material and methods We have examined 511 consecutive Gdansk Port workers during their routine medical check up who did not have any symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The group consisted of 403 men aged 44.9 ± 9 years, range 23-73 years, median 45 years and 108 women aged 44.1 ± 7 years, range 25-62 years, median 43 years. We obtained history, measured blood pressure twice in the sitting position after 10 minutes rest and registered EKG. The examination was repeated after 7 years.
Results Initially the mean SBP was 132.3 ± 20 mm Hg (133.8 ± 20 mm Hg in men and 126.9 ± 20 in women, p < 0.005), DBP 84.1 ± 12 mm Hg (84.5 ± 12 mm Hg in men and 82.7 ± 12 in women, NS). After 7 years in the control examination the mean SBP was 135.4 ± 19 mm Hg (136.3 ± 18 mm Hg in men and 132.4 ± 20 in women, NS), DBP 85.8 ± 11 mm Hg (86.5 ± 11 mm Hg in men and 83.2 ± 11 in women, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the distribution of blood pressure values into categories of normal blood pressure and hypertension. During the follow up period arterial hypertension was diagnosed and treated in 122 subjects (99 men and 22 women). The proper blood pressure control was achieved only in 28.7% treated patients (32.3% men and 13.0% women, NS). In the first examination blood pressure values allowing diagnosis of isolated systolic hypertension were observed in 37 (7.2%) subjects, 31 (7.7%) men and 6 (5.6%) women (NS). After 7 years in the follow up examination similar values were observed in 45 (8.8%) subjects, 32 (7.9%) men and 13 (12.0%) women (NS). In the initial examination in men and in both examinations in women there were no ECG signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. In the follow up examination in men the ECG signs of left ventricular hypertrophy were observed in 31 (7.6%) men, 20 (7.9%) in the younger group and 11 (4.7%) in the older group (NS).
Conclusion The prevalence of undiagnosed arterial hypertension is still high. The control of blood pressure during hypotensive treatment seems to improve in Poland.
Keywords: arterial hypertensionprevalencetreatment effectiveness