Abstract
BackgroundWe evaluated the prevalence of high blood pressure and the level of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a Serbian population.MethodsA cross-sectional study of an adult population was carried out across Serbia in 2006. The study involved 14 204 adults aged 20 years or older. Interviews and measurements of blood pressure were performed at participants’ homes.ResultsOverall, 47% of the Serbian adult population had hypertension: 25.3% had stage 1 hypertension and 18.1% had stage 2 hypertension. Only 58.0% of the hypertensive population were aware that they had the disease, and 60.4% were receiving medical treatment. Among those receiving medical treatment, only 20.9% had a blood pressure within the normal range. One in 10 participants with hypertension were not treated because, among other reasons, they thought treatment was unnecessary (55.3%) or they lacked money for medication (19.3%).ConclusionsThe prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension is high in the adult population of Serbia. Further action is required to hasten detection and treatment of high blood pressure. Attention should be directed toward educational programs that improve knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of hypertension among adults.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in developed countries, and hypertension is one of the most treatable and modifiable risk factors for CVD.[1,2] Hypertension is a major problem worldwide, and approximately 1 billion people have the condition.[3]
Mean blood pressure level The mean blood pressure of all adults was 135.2/82.4 mm Hg (SBP: 95% confidence interval (CI), 134.9–135.6; diastolic blood pressure (DBP): 95% CI, 82.2–82.6)
It is recognized that the high prevalence of HBP has contributed to the present global pandemic of CVD, which is responsible for 30% of all deaths worldwide.[21]
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in developed countries, and hypertension is one of the most treatable and modifiable risk factors for CVD.[1,2] Hypertension (or high blood pressure, HBP) is a major problem worldwide, and approximately 1 billion people have the condition.[3]. Many people have HBP for a considerable period of time before it is diagnosed.[7] Pharmacologic treatment of HBP decreases the risk of CVD, including stroke, coronary heart disease, and renal insufficiency.[9,10] Nonpharmacologic interventions are beneficial for preventing and treating HBP.[11,12,13]. We evaluated the prevalence of high blood pressure and the level of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a Serbian population. 58.0% of the hypertensive population were aware that they had the disease, and 60.4% were receiving medical treatment. Among those receiving medical treatment, only 20.9% had a blood pressure within the normal range. Conclusions: The prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension is high in the adult population of Serbia. Attention should be directed toward educational programs that improve knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of hypertension among adults
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