Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):276-282

Effect of socio-demographic characteristics on the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension: a population study in seven Czech towns

Martin Bobák¹, Petr Vojtíšek², Hynek Pikhart¹, Naďa Čapková³, Růžena Kubínová^3,*

¹ International Centre for Health and Society, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom

² Kardiologické oddělení interní kliniky, Krajská nemocnice Pardubice, Pardubice

³ Centrum hygieny životního prostředí, Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha, Česká republika

Introduction:
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor but only a minority of patients is successfully controlled. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the Czech population, and to identify personal characteristics that influence the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension.

Methods:
A random sample of 6395 subjects aged 45-69 years was examined in a cross-sectional study in 7 Czech towns. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent a short examination. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≤ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic pressure ≤ 90 mm Hg and/or antihypertensive treatment.

Results:
The prevalence of hypertension was 66% (74% in men and 59% in women). Among hypertensives, 64% were aware of their hypertension; 54% were treated, and 16% had blood pressure lower than 140/90 mm Hg. Isolated systolic hypertension accounted for 20% of cases of uncontrolled hypertension. Awareness, treatment and control were better in men than in women. There were no systematic differences between the participating towns. Among all hypertensive subjects, awareness, treatment and control were higher among older and less educated persons. However, among treated subjects, control was better in younger and better educated persons. Hypertension control was more common in divorced and widowed than among married persons.

Conclusions:
The prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in this study are consistent with earlier results from the Czech population. In contrast with North American studies, isolated systolic hypertension accounts for only a minor part of all hypertension. Hypertension control in older and less educated persons is difficult despite their more frequent contact with doctors.

Keywords: Hypertension; Awareness; Treatment, control; Socio-economic factors; Epidemiology; Czech Republic

Published: July 1, 2005  Show citation