title: Treating to hypertension targets.
abstract: Control of blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients often fails to meet the targets suggested by the British Hypertension Society (BHS) guidelines. The optimal treatment target for non-diabetic patients is < or = 140/85 mm Hg. Data from the health survey for England show that in 1998 only 8% of men and 11% of women had blood pressure controlled to < 140/90 mm Hg. The Anglo-Scandinavian cardiac outcomes trial (ASCOT) data show that 87% of non-diabetic patients in the St Mary's Centre are currently treated to below 140/90 mm Hg. These differences can be explained by strict protocol adherence, a focus on cardiovascular disease, longer consultation times and punctual appointments, reinforcement of non-pharmacological advice, and blood pressure readings taken in line with BHS guidelines. Some of these points might be translated into the more challenging setting of primary care.
authors.affiliation: St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK. a.mckerracher@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McKerracher
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000379:methods; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin