September 1, 1996
View Full PaperHypertension awareness, treatment and control rates for an Asian population: Results from a national survey in Korea
Key Result
A national blood pressure survey in Korea revealed low rates of hypertension awareness (25-40%), treatment (16-27%), and control (5-14%) depending on the blood pressure threshold used.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=21,242)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
P
Population
21,242 individuals aged > 30 in Korea from a national blood pressure survey
O
Outcome
Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates
A 1990 national survey in Korea revealed very low rates of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control, highlighting the need for improved detection and management strategies.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This observational study was performed in order to determine the hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates for the country of Korea. METHODS: Rates were determined in conjunction with a national blood pressure survey in Korea in 1990. Through cluster sampling, individuals aged > 30 in 190/146,944 districts were selected for study. Among 25,567 eligible individuals, 21,242 had measurement of blood pressure (BP) and answered a standard questionnaire. BP was recorded as the mean of two measurements with a standard mercury manometer. Hypertension was defined either as BP > or = 160/95 mm Hg or on treatment (n = 2628), or as BP > or = 140/90 mm Hg or on treatment (n = 4219). Treatment was defined as any method of BP treatment, including dietary, traditional, or medication. RESULTS: Rates for BP > or = 160/95 mm Hg or on treatment: aware 1057 (40%), treated 696 (27%), controlled 367 (14%). Rates for BP > or = 140/90 mm Hg or on treatment: aware 1069 (25%), treated 696 (16%), controlled 221 (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates are relatively low in Korea. Blood-pressure control programs, including detection strategies, are needed here and worldwide.