PMID: 8945793Oct 1, 1996Paper

Missed opportunities for the prevention of cardiovascular disease among British hypertensives in primary care

The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
F A FossS Ebrahim

Abstract

High-risk strategies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among hypertensive patients require knowledge of the prevalence and interaction of modifiable risk factors to ensure effective targeting of interventions. Comparatively little is known of risk-factor profiles and their modification among hypertensives in primary care. The present study was designed to explore relationships between patients' knowledge of CVD risk factors, their perception of personal risk and health behaviours, and their use of lifestyle interventions. A cross-sectional survey of 2676 men and women with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 95-115 mmHg), and their general practitioners, recruited from 1044 general practices throughout the UK, was conducted. Levels of modifiable risk factors were high, although there was considerable variation by age and sex; most (98.5%) patients had at least one additional CVD risk factor. A lower standard of living was associated with a higher prevalence of 'unhealthy' behaviours. Out of those with a current lifestyle problem, 85% of obese patients, 59% of smokers, 47% of excess drinkers, 49% of those with dietary risk factors and 32% of inactive patients claimed to have adopted healthier...Continue Reading

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