The effectiveness of a follow-up program on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors for hypertensive patients

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a follow-up program on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients. Design A time series (one group pretest-posttest) quasi-experimental study was used. Setting This study was conducted at the Hypertension, Obesity and Diabetes Center of a State Hospital in Turkey. Subjects Forty-five (45) hypertensive patients were recruited. Intervention An education program was implemented with hypertensive patients whereby patients were monitored at each month for a total of six times following an initial appointment. Follow-up by nurses included checking weight and blood pressure (BP), reviewing of diaries, education, counseling or referrals to other disciplines. Measurement Patients' BP and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at the baseline and six months later. The findings were then compared to evaluate the effects of intervention on the patient's BP and cardiovascular risk factors. Results After intervention there was a significant decrease between the mean systolic BP and diastolic BP when compared with the baseline. BMI was decreased from 29.6 +/- 3kg/m(2) to 29.3 +/- 3kg/m(2) (p=0.033). Total cholesterol did not change. Triglycerides decreased. However, LDL-cholesterol increased and HDL-cholesterol decreased. Conclusion To manage hypertension and to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, a program is needed and should be implemented which includes antihypertensive treatment options, lifestyle changes and lipid-lowering drug therapy. The long term effects of such a program should be monitored while implementing.