Trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in urban communities in Chile

Objectives To evaluate the changes experienced over 15 years in the prevalence, state of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, in urban communities of the VIII Region of Chile. Methodology In order to ensure an objective analysis in comparison of the indicators, the methodological design used in 1988 was replicated: a representative, non-institutionalized sample, considering age, gender and socio-economic level. Blood pressure was measured using mercury manometers during two visits carried out on different days. Hypertension criteria: systolic blood pressure : >= 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >= 90 mmHg, or patients under treatment. Results A sample of 8472 residents was obtained, based on the previously defined stratification. Hypertension prevalence increased from 18.6% in 1988 to 21.7% in 2004. This occurred in all age groups and in both genders. The state of awareness remained stable: 66.9% in 1988 and 66.6% in 2004. The state of treatment increased from 35.6% (11988) to 59.9% (2004), and the state of hypertension control from 7.5 to 30.7%, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrated an increase in hypertension prevalence from 1988 to 2004. Meanwhile the state of awareness remained stable but there was a significant increase in the state of treatment and control, which were in accordance with public policies and changes in antihypertensive treatment.