[Arterial hypertension prevalence, detection, treatment and control in Cantabria, Spain, 2002].
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of high blood pressure in a European region in Northern Spain (Cantabria), and also levels of detection, treatment, and control.


METHODS
On a random multi-stage sample of 1197 individuals aged 18 or over, stratified by sex and age, blood pressure measurements were taken and other general data were collected from 2002 to 2004.


RESULTS
A prevalence of hypertension of 29% was found. The prevalence among males and females was similar, being 29% and 28%, respectively. Sixty five per cent of the hypertensive subjects were aware of their condition, 53% were undergoing treatment, and 22% presented readings below 140/90 mm Hg.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension constitutes a public health problem in Cantabria, since it affects 1 in 3 of the adult population. Although levels of detection, treatment, and control are superior to those previously described in this region in 1989, the situation could clearly be improved.
Vara-González
Luis
L
Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. luvara@ono.com
Muñoz Cacho
Pedro
P
Sanz de Castro
Saturnino
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology