Correlates of hypertension control in a primary care setting

Background Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated reduction in cardiovascular events as a result of lowering blood pressure (BP). Despite these findings, BP control rates, especially in primary care settings, remain suboptimal. This study describes hypertension control and its predictors, using data from a sample of 631 adult patients drawn from an established primary care practice. Methods Data were obtained through chart review and patient survey during a 3-month period. The BP control was the outcome in a logistic regression model identifying demographic and clinical predictors of control. Results Compared to patients with low Framingham Risk Scores (FRS), individuals with moderate and high scores had reduced odds of achieving control (69% reduction, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19–0.65; 82% reduction, 95% CI 0.10–0.36, respectively). Being female reduced the odds of control by 61% (95% CI 0.26–0.66). Having diabetes mellitus (DM) (95% CI 0.21–0.79) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG; fasting glucose >109 but <126 mg/dL) (95% CI 0.10–0.40) reduced the odds of control by 64% and 82%, respectively. For each additional point on a physician-rated patient knowledge scale, the odds of having controlled BP increased 78% (95% CI 1.44–2.56). Each additional co-morbid condition positively associated with control (34% increase in odds, 95% CI 1.15–1.86). Age (95% CI 0.98–1.02) and body mass index (BMI) (95% CI 0.97–1.04) had no effect. Conclusions Higher FRS, female sex, DM, and IFG negatively correlated with control. Patient knowledge and number of co-morbid conditions correlated positively. Age and BMI did not correlate with control. The most disturbing finding in our study was that higher risk patients who stand to benefit most from BP control were least likely to be controlled, despite being on more antihypertensive medications. These findings may be helpful to primary care providers in reaching patient hypertension control goals.