LAUSR

Introduction: Hypertension is a major cause of death and cardiovascular disease. In Brazil , hypertension heart disease is responsible for 14% of all cardiovascular deaths. Hypertension awareness campaigns are an initiative aimed at raising awareness of high blood pressure, as measurement of blood pressure is a cheap, simple and noninvasive technique to detect hypertension. The awareness of hypertension, and its treatment and control could avoid many deaths and disabilities. Objective: The objective is to describe hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in a population in MaringÅ, Southern Brazil, during hypertension awareness campaigns. Methods: Cross- sectional analysis from five hypertension awareness campaigns where 1495 participants were included. Blood pressure was measured by an automated electronic device, two readings were taken and recorded, with 1 minute between readings. Hypertension was defined as an average over 140/90 mmHg, and controlled as those with BP under 140/90 mmHg. Results: 1495 individuals were screened, mean age was 54 years, 58% ( 868 of 1495) were female. Mean SBP was 128,8 mmHg and mean DBP was 78,9 mmHg.Hypertension prevalence was 37,9% ( 567 of 1495), 61,9% (926 of 1495) were aware of hypertension diagnosis, and 64 % ( 363 of 567) were receiving treatment. Only 33,4% (122 of 363 ) of patients receiving medical treatment had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusion: Hypertension prevalence was high, but blood pressure control was low in this population, and 36 % ( 204 of 567) were unaware of their hypertension, demonstrating the importance of hypertension awareness campaigns.