Hypertension Case-finding in Primary Health Care: Experience from the Skaraborg Hypertension Project

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of a hypertension case-finding program. During office hours (8.00 am to 5.00 pm weekdays), all patients visiting a Swedish primary health care center, had their blood pressure recorded using an automatic equipment. This was made irrespective of the reason for the visit. Analysis of a record sample showed that 56 ± 4% (95% confidence) of the 40-69 year-old fraction of the population (N=5 806) served by the center attended the center during a two-year period. Fifty-two percent (N=3 025) had their blood pressure checked and one percent (N=65) fulfilled the criteria for hypertension (>170/>105 mmHg at three different times if aged 40-60 years; >180/>110 mmHg >60 years). We conclude that case-finding for hypertension has low efficacy when performed in day-time primary health care.

Key Words:

• hypertension
• screening
• case-finding
• primary health care
• automatic blood pressure recording