Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Turkey (the PatenT study) in 2003

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of blood pressure (BP) and prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Turkey (PatenT). DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional epidemiology survey was carried out in 2003. SETTING: Twenty-six cities from seven geographical provinces of Turkey, with proportional representation of urban and rural populations. PARTICIPANTS: A two-stage stratified sampling method was used to select a sample of the adult population over 18 years of age. The total number of participants was 4910. INTERVENTIONS: Data collection and BP measurements were conducted by specifically trained physicians in the households of the participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mean systolic and diastolic BP levels, distribution of blood pressure, prevalence of hypertension (mean systolic BP>or=140 mmHg or mean diastolic BP>or=90 mmHg, or previously diagnosed and/or taking antihypertensive drugs), awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were assessed. RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in Turkey was 31.8%, and it was higher in women than in men (36.1 versus 27.5%, P<0.001). In the whole group, 32.2% had never had their BP measured. Overall, 40.7% of those with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis, only 31.1% were receiving pharmacologic treatment and only 8.1% had their BP under control. The subjects who were aware and treated had a control ratio of 20.7%. CONCLUSIONS: PatenT data indicate that hypertension is a highly prevalent but inadequately managed health problem in Turkey. There is an urgent need for population-based strategies to improve the prevention, early detection and control of hypertension.