Fewer Visits, Fewer Meds, More Risk Factors Hamper Hypertension Control

Two decades of U.S. population-based data increase our understanding of uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension and point toward improvement in healthcare strategies.

Hypertension control in the U.S. has improved over time, but high rates of uncontrolled hypertension persist (JW Cardiol Jun 9 2010). To identify clinical characteristics associated with hypertension that is untreated, uncontrolled on one to two antihypertensive medications, or resistant to appropriate treatment, investigators assessed National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data from 1988–1994, 1999–2004, and 2005–2008, involving 13,375 adults with hypertension. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) of ≥140/≥90 mm Hg, and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) was defined as hypertension that persisted despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medications.

In all three surveys, more than half of patient…

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

Fewer Visits, Fewer Meds, More Risk Factors Hamper Hypertension Control

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Reviewing Author