Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Although hypertension is usually not associated with physical symptoms, there is survey evidence that many patients, perhaps the majority, see this condition as a cause for worry and a threat to their overall health.[1][2][3] It is a reasonable assumption that these concerns are most manifest in patients whose blood pressures (BPs) are not well controlled.As well, there is evidence derived from psychological testing that people with hypertension experience reductions in quality of life that are proportional to their BP elevations.[4][5][6] A recent study of attitudes in patients with selfdescribed uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension by Schmieder and colleagues 7 has established that these individuals carry a heavy emotional burden.The authors of this work reported the results of a survey conducted by the professional polling organization, Harris Interactive (New York).The survey questions had been designed in collaboration with a steering committee of hypertension experts (see Acknowledgements Section for details).The work of Harris Interactive and the committee was supported by an unrestricted grant from Medtronic.Overall, 4574 patients from the United States, Brazil, Japan, and several Western European countries with self-reported uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension were surveyed.In response to the question: "How would you describe your current overall health?" more than half of the respondents chose "poor" or "fair" rather than "good" or "excellent."In addition, they indicated a sense of pessimism about the probability of their BPs ever being controlled.All aspects of health appeared to be compromised by their hypertension, including a fear by many patients for their future well-being.Even personal and family relationships were found to be adversely affected.
Source: Journal of Clinical Hypertension
DOI: 10.1111/jch.12175
Authors: Michael A. Weber, Suzanne Oparil
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2061077258