title: A cross-sectional survey of hypertension diagnosis and treatment practices among physicians in Yaroslavl Region, Russia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Russia, cardiovascular (CV) mortality is the leading cause of death. With the prevalence of hypertension in adults reaching 40%, hypertension is a key priority for health authorities to improve its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This requires an evaluation of current clinical practices in order to develop specific improvement initiatives.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 39 outpatient institutions of Yaroslavl region from April to May 2011. A total of 180 physicians (154 general practitioners [GPs]; 26 cardiologists) completed diaries on 10 consecutive patients whose visits were related to hypertension. This survey was approved by the Department of Health and Pharmacy of Yaroslavl region.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1,794 diaries (1,525 from GPs; 269 from cardiologists) were analyzed. The majority of patients were women (60%), mean age was 60 years, and most (97%) were on antihypertensive therapy. Mean blood pressure (BP) was 151/90 mmHg and goal BP (<140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 17% of patients. The distribution of patients' systolic BP (SBP) was: 20% controlled (<140 mmHg), 44% SBP 140-159 mmHg, 26% SBP 160-179 mmHg, and 10% SBP≥180 mmHg. The most common CV risk factors included left ventricular hypertrophy (72% of patients), abdominal obesity (54%), dyslipidemia (48%), family history of early CV events (33%), smoking (24%), and type 2 diabetes (21%). Heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases were reported in 48% and 15% of patients, respectively, and regular alcohol consumption was mentioned by 37%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of patients with hypertension had additional CV risk factors and associated clinical conditions. Blood pressure control rates in Yaroslavl region are similar to those for Russia as a whole, but much lower than countries that have successfully implemented comprehensive hypertension intervention programs, such as Canada.
authors.affiliation: Yaroslavl Regional Clinical Hospital of War Veterans, Yaroslavl, Russia.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mozheyko
authors.forename: Sergey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eregin
authors.forename: Alexey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vigdorchik
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012426:Russia / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents