Characteristics of blood-pressure control in treated hypertensive patients in Croatia

The aim of our study was to investigate blood pressure (BP) control and different factors with possible influence on BP control in Croatian hypertensive patients. In this cross-sectional investigation, a representative sample of target populations (primary care physicians and patients) from different parts of Croatia was included according to the study protocol. During December 2003 and January 2004, we included, according to correctly completed questionnaires, 141 physicians and 814 hypertensive patients. A controlled BP (BP < 140/90 mmHg) in this hypertensive population treated with antihypertensive drugs was in 23% of patients. The analysis of BP control according to risk factors showed that significantly related with higher levels of systolic or diastolic BP were the age (poorer systolic BP control in patients older than 60 years), left ventricular hypertrophy, changes of the eye retina, smoking and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, patients from towns closer to the hospital, from urban centers, with higher education and employed had significantly lower average BP. According to our results of hypertension control in Croatia, there is a need and a possibility for the improvement of the quality of hypertension care. The relationship between demographic and cardiovascular risk factors with poor BP control should be taken into account when treating patients.