Factores asociados al control de la presión arterial en la cohorte del estudio del Riesgo de Enfermedad Cardiovascular en Castilla y León (RECCyL)

Abstract

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases and related risk factors suppose a challenge to public health due to the mortality and health costs involved. This study has aimed to assess the blood pressure control in a population cohort and to identify the factors associated with poor control. Material and methods A cardiovascular health examination was carried out in a random sample of 4013 individuals aged 15 years and above who were living in Castilla y Leon in 2004. The study included the medical history, physical exam and blood tests. A new health study was performed in 2009, including 2954 people from the initial sample, 1306 of whom were patients with hypertension. Strict blood pressure control was defined as <140/90 mmHg. Bivariate analysis was performed and odds ratio was calculated by a regression logistic model. Results Blood pressure levels were above the established levels in 55.9%, without differences between men and women. The regression model showed that diabetes, obesity, smoking habit and previous systolic blood pressure values, with odds ratio of 3.87, 1.58, 1.49 and 1.13 per 5 mmHg, respectively, are independently associated with uncontrolled blood pressure. Age did not show statistical significance. Conclusion More than half of the patients with hypertension are not well controlled. This study provides information about the characteristics of the patients with poor control of hypertension in Castilla y León, which will allow policy makers to develop new primary and secondary prevention activities.