Hypertension control in Europe

Abstract

Hypertension control is a complex process with many facets; it is dependent upon many factors, e.g., local culture, economic factors, and organization of health care. Examples from the practice of hypertension control in Europe are quoted to illustrate various levels of such activities, their scope, and the methods used. Different operational approaches are illustrated with a number of locally appropriate solutions. Measures of program effect, such as changes in population blood pressure levels, awareness and treatment status of hypertension, drug consumption, and morbidity and mortality statistics, are also examined. Finally, some special issues are summed up: the community problem of “mild” hypertension, sex differences in achieving hypertension control, and partial “overtreatment” (unwarranted drug therapy) in the community. More data are needed on the quality of hypertension control in the populations of Europe.