Blood pressure control and knowledge of target blood pressure in coronary patients across Europe

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure management is a key issue among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The present study aimed to identify particular patient groups that may need to be specifically targeted in secondary prevention of CHD. METHODS: EUROASPIRE III is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2006-2007 among patients up to 80 years of age hospitalized for CHD. Patients from 76 centres in 22 European regions were examined on average 15 months after hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate factors associated with blood pressure control and knowledge of target blood pressure using the cut-point of less than 140/90 mmHg. RESULTS: Among 7649 patients using antihypertensive medication 50.4% achieved blood pressure control and 49.4% provided accurate knowledge of target blood pressure. Obese patients were less likely to show controlled blood pressure odds ratio (OR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.80 and accurate knowledge of blood pressure target values (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.90). Dyslipidaemia was negatively associated with blood pressure control and accurate target knowledge. Patients with diabetes mellitus less frequently achieved blood pressure control (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-0.99). Accurate knowledge of target blood pressure was positively related to blood pressure control (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.24). Patients who received advice by a health professional to reduce salt intake, to reduce weight, and to increase physical activity more frequently showed accurate knowledge of blood pressure target values. CONCLUSION: Blood pressure control and knowledge of target blood pressure are inappropriate in the European high-risk population of coronary patients. Particularly CHD patients with obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia need better management and control of elevated blood pressure.