Continuity of care in hypertension. An important correlate of blood pressure control among aware hypertensives.
Hypertensive patients frequently discontinue follow-up care. In a population-based survey of 4688 adults, we examined the impact of nonattendance on blood pressure control in aware hypertensives. Nonattendance was defined as a failure to visit a physician for hypertensive care within a six-month interval and was reported by 29% of 907 aware hypertensives. Nonattenders had a higher prevalence of diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg (67% vs 30% for attenders). The nonattender profile was male, young, active in the work force, and without coexisting chronic diseases. Poor blood pressure control among nonattenders was associated with a lower treatment rate. Uncontrolled diastolic hypertension and less adherence to medications in nonattenders warrants concern by clinicians.
McClellan
W M
WM
Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Hall
W D
WD
Brogan
D
D
Miles
C
C
Wilber
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012737:Sex Factors