Prevalence, awareness, efficiency of control and target organ damage in Taiwanese patients with hypertension
Journal
Acta Cardiologica Sinica
Journal Volume
15
Journal Issue
3
Pages
131
Date Issued
1999
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The impact of hypertension on organ damage in the general population of adult Taiwanese is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension, self-awareness about hypertension, and types of medication in hypertensive subjects who received health examination in one university hospital. Methods: A consecutive 3485 adult subjects who received health examination in one university hospital in metropolitan Taipei City from Aug 1, 1996 to July 31, 1997 were studied. Results: The overall prevalence rates of hypertension in the study population were 29% in men and 27% in women. It was found that persons less than 44 years old were more likely not to recognize their hypertension, with overall proportions of lack of awareness up to 40%. The proportion of well-controlled status subjects with hypertension was very low, with 20% in men and 12% in women. Hypertension was strongly associated with cardiac and renal complications. Older age, obesity, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus also were associated with hypertension, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 2.0 to 3.2. An estimated 16% of the population needed lifestyle modification. Among those who needed to take antihypertensive medication were 32% of men and 24% of women. Conclusion: There were high rates of unfavorable facts of hypertension in the hospital-based adult population. Programs to increase focus on identifying and preventing the risks associated with hypertension and the development of specific treatment plans are needed.
Subjects
Hospital-based; Hypertension; Risk factors; Taiwan
Type
journal article