Prevalence, Awareness and Control of Hypertension — Analysis of Results of Participants of the Polish Hypertension Surveynts of the Polish Hypertension Survey

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in Poland.
Methods: In 1997, a trial „Check your blood pressure once a year” was performed. Two hundred medical students in 100 cities in Poland measured blood pressure in subjects who showed interest in their blood pressure values. Simple antropometric and social characteristics were also collected. Each person received a brochure on hypertension prevention. Totally 310 579 subjects aged 16–99 years were investigated. Hypertension was defined as SBP >= 140 mm Hg and/or DBP >= 90 mm Hg, or taking antihypertensive treatment.
Results: Overall prevalence of hypertension was 46% (52% men and 41% women). In the age group younger than 30 years hypertension was four times more prevalent in men than in women. Sixty five percent women and 43% men were aware of their hypertension. Among hypertensives, only 15% women and 8% men had blood pressure controlled (SBP < 140 mm Hg and DBP < mm Hg). The worst situation was found in young men; hypertension was controlled in only 4% of the patients.
Conclusions: The trial „Check your blood pressure once a year” enabled health counselling in more than 350 000 adult subjects in Poland. The project allowed to assess the prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension. Such approach might be a helpful tool in the prevention of the cardiovascular disease at the population level.