Screening for pre-hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk factors in a Thai community pharmacy.
OBJECTIVE
To identify subjects with pre-hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk factors in a community pharmacy and to assess their readiness to adopt lifestyle changes.


METHODS
An accredited community pharmacy in Songkla province, Thailand.


METHODS
Subjects aged >or= 35 years old and reporting no hypertension or other cardiovascular disease were included. Blood pressure was measured using the Microlife BP 3AC1-1. Those with pre-hypertension or hypertension defined by the JNC 7, and reporting no diabetes and/or dyslipidemia, were checked for blood glucose and/or total cholesterol with the Accutrend GCT monitor. Other risk factors were collected. Their readiness to adopt healthy lifestyles was evaluated.


METHODS
The prevalence of pre-hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk factors.


RESULTS
350 subjects met the study criteria. Approximately 36 and 29% were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive, respectively. Two of these had blood glucose > 200 mg/dl but about 47% had total cholesterol > 200 mg/dl. Most common modifiable cardiovascular risks were inadequate exercise and elevated body mass index (approximately 52% each). Almost 40% were ready to adopt healthy lifestyles within 1-6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects at risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease can be identified by community pharmacists, with the use of point-of-care devices and careful interview.
Pongwecharak
Juraporn
J
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand. pjurapor@pharmacy.psu.ac.th
Treeranurat
Tarakamon
T
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology