Physician Perception of Blood Pressure Control in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Banegas José R., Lundelin Krista, de la Figuera Mariano, de la Cruz Juan J., Graciani Auxiliadora, Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando, Puig Juan García
Primary Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Hypothesis
How do physicians perceive blood pressure control and treatment behavior in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and previous cardiovascular disease?
Conclusion
Physicians often do not change treatment for uncontrolled hypertension because they believe it is unnecessary, especially when blood pressure is only slightly above the target.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 11.6% of patients were controlled according to the guidelines.
- Physicians did not change treatment in 49.2% of uncontrolled patients.
- Blood pressure level was inversely associated with treatment change.
- Physicians often overestimate the degree of blood pressure control.
- Physicians scheduled early appointments for patients with slightly elevated blood pressure.
Takeaway
Doctors sometimes think their patients' blood pressure is fine even when it's not, which means they don't change their medicine when they should.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study involving 321 primary care physicians and 1,614 patients with hypertension and previous cardiovascular events.
Potential Biases
Physicians may overestimate blood pressure control, leading to inappropriate treatment decisions.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causation, and the sample may not be representative of all hypertensive patients.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of patients was 66.5 years, 62.6% were men, and 27.8% had secondary or higher education.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 43.2%–50.4%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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