Utility of a population-based case-control study model with a limited number of patients in estimating risks of hypertension.
A population-based case-control study of the risks of hypertension was carried out in a primary care district where data on all patients have been registered in out- and in-patient computer schemes and where extensive studies and treatment programs regarding blood pressure have been performed for more than a decade. The results of the study, which comprised a limited number of patients, accord with those of more extensive and prospective studies. The hypertensives had high risks of developing myocardial infarction and stroke even though they were treated according to internationally accepted norms regarding blood pressure. The estimated population-attributable risk of hypertension in men was 30% with regard to myocardial infarction and 68% with regard to stroke. Smoking and hypertension were found to be independent risk indicators of myocardial infarction in men and hypertension was a strong risk indicator of stroke. Thus, a case-control study carried out in this way in a primary care district gives valid results regarding the efficacy of an antihypertensive treatment program and may therefore serve as a model for future studies in primary health care.
D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013548:Sweden