Abstract

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% (1988) 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. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.