Abstract
Objective: Appropriate lifestyle changes are the cornerstone for prevention and treatment of hypertension. In the recent 2013 ESH/ESC hypertension guidelines 6 lifestyle changes are recommended for the treatment of hypertensive patients with class I evidence level A, based on their proven impact on blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk. We therefore initiated a survey among physicians involved in the treatment of hypertension to explore their awareness and consideration of lifestyle factors in the management of hypertension. Design and method: The survey included a total of 16 questions covering physicians[Combining Acute Accent] demographic information and the 2013 ESH/ESC guidelines recommendations on lifestyle changes. It was designed to take less than 5 minutes to complete and included 6 questions explicitly related to alcohol intake. The survey was conducted at two national meetings in Germany and at two European meetings (ESH meeting in Milan 2016 and ESC meeting in London 2016, respectively). Results: Overall 1084 (37% female) physicians (258 and 826 at the German and European meetings, respectively) participated. They were predominantly cardiologists (50%) and internists (28%), while 9% were general physicians; 77% were hospital based and overall 22% were members of the German and/or European Hypertension Society, respectively. The results of the awareness on the lifestyle changes included in the guidelines and the corresponding recommendations of physicians implemented in their own management of hypertension are summarized in the figure.Conclusions: These results indicate a close correlation between self-reported awareness of guideline recommendations and implementation of these recommendations in clinical practice. European cardiologists and internists emphasize regular exercise and weight reduction stronger than the other four life style factors. Moderation of alcohol consumption is the least emphasized life style factor.
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