Prevalence, detection and drug treatment of hypertension in a rural Australian population: the Greater Green Triangle risk factor study 2004-2006.
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, limited findings are available on its detection and management in rural Australia.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension in a rural South-East Australian population.


METHODS
Three cross-sectional surveys in Limestone Coast, Corangamite Shire and Wimmera regions during 2004-2006 using a random population sample (n = 3320, participation rate 49%) aged 25-74 years. Blood pressure was measured by trained nurses. Information on history of hypertension and medication was obtained by questionnaires. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure >or=140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >or=90 mmHg and/or on antihypertensive drug treatment.


RESULTS
Overall, one-third of participants had hypertension; of these, two-thirds, 54% (95% confidence interval (CI) 47-60) of men and 71% (95% CI 65-77) of women, were aware of their condition. Half of the participants with hypertension were treated and nearly half of these were controlled. Both treatment and control were more common in women (60%, 95% CI 54-67 and 55%, 95% CI 47-64) compared with men (42%, 95% CI 36-49 and 35%, 95% CI 26-44). Monotherapy was used by 55% (95% CI 48-61) of treated hypertensives. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were the most frequently used class of antihypertensive drugs in men, whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists and diuretics were all widely used among women.


CONCLUSIONS
This study emphasizes suboptimal detection and treatment of hypertension, especially in men, in rural Australia.
Janus
E D
ED
Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health, Flinders University and Deakin University, Warrnambool, Australia. edwarddj@unimelb.edu.au
Bunker
S J
SJ
Kilkkinen
A
A
Mc Namara
K
K
Philpot
B
B
Tideman
P
P
Tirimacco
R
R
Laatikainen
T K
TK
Heistaro
S
S
Dunbar
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents