Detection and treatment of hypertension in an inner London community. Issue 4 (December 1976)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heller, R F
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 30:Issue 4(1976)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 272
• Publication Date: 1976-12
• Subjects: Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.30.4.268
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : A postal survey of a random sample of the population living near St Mary's Hospital, Paddington was taken to determine earlier experience in these people of blood pressure measurement and treatment. Eighty-five per cent of those who could return their questionnaires did so; eighty per cent of the respondents said they had had their blood pressure measured in the past, and 60% reported such a measurement during the previous three years. The respondents aged between 40 and 59 years were invited for a blood pressure screening measurement and 52% responded. Seventy-seven per cent of those found to be hypertensive on screening (systolic greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and/or diastolic greater than or equal to 100 mmHg) said they had had their blood pressure measured during the preceding three years. The reason for the poor control of hypertension in a community, therefore, is more likely to be a failure of doctors to take action on hypertension than a failure to detect it in the first place.