National Registry of Hypertension Control Evaluated by Office and Home Measurements: The LHAR National Registry

Abstract

Background  It is known that around 30% of patients have higher blood pressure (BP) values when examined at the office than at home. Worldwide, only 35% of patients with hypertension undergoing treatment have reached their BP targets.

Objective  To provide epidemiological data on BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists, considering office and home BP measurement.

Methods  This is a cross-sectional analysis of patients with a hypertension diagnosis and undergoing antihypertensive treatment, with controlled BP or not. BP was assayed in the office by a medical professional and at home using home BP monitoring (HBPM). The association between categorical variables was verified using the chi-square test (p<0.05).

Results  The study included 2540 patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.2 years. Most patients were women (62%; n=1575). Prevalence rates of 15% (n=382) for uncontrolled white coat hypertension and 10% (n=253) for uncontrolled masked hypertension were observed. The rate of BP control in the office was 56.3% and at home, 61%. Meanwhile, 46.4% of the patients had controlled BP in and outside of the office. Greater control was observed in women and in the 49-61 years age group. Considering the new DBHA 2020 threshold for home BP control, the control rate was 42.4%.

Conclusion  BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists was 56.3%; this rate was 61% when BP was measured at home and 46.4% when considering both the office and home.