Behavior Change and Health News
Many Doctors Don’t Know Blood Pressure Guidelines
According to Dr. Joseph Ravenell, formerly of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and now at New York University, many general practitioners are prescribing treatment for middle-aged men with hypertension, but not at the appropriate time. Dr. Ravenell reported his findings at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association’s Council for High Blood Pressure Research in Atlanta in September. Although the men in the study were African-American, Dr. Ravenell believes the finding is true for all men, regardless of race and ethnicity.
According to Ravenell’s study, the problem of hypertension control often does not lie squarely on the shoulders of patients. The researchers involved in the study interviewed 891 African-American men in Dallas County and 22 community doctors. The doctors were asked if drug treatment would be recommended for a 45-year-old black man who had a 145/92 blood pressure reading in the office along with a 154/95 reading out of the office. Both blood pressure readings are above the recommended 120/80 level. Of the 22 community doctors surveyed, only 36% (~8) would recommend starting treatment for the hypothetical patient. Furthermore, not one of the 22 physicians was familiar with the national guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure. Ravenell would like to see the research replicated using Caucasian men to determine whether race played a role in physicians’ recommendation for treatment.
Ravenell said, “There is a lesson in the study for doctors. The particular lesson is that physicians need to take a very good look at their own practices to make sure they are appropriately applying the guidelines to all patients, but particularly to black men, who are at high risk of death from hypertension.”
Those who have high blood pressure should also take actions to protect their own health. They should be aware of the national guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure. Also, patients should know what their blood pressure is and how that compares to the recommended 120/80 level. If a patient’s blood pressure reading is higher than 120/80, that person should speak up to his or her doctor.
Do you work with people who are interested in lowering or maintaining their blood pressure? Are they looking for ways to become physically active and eat a healthier diet as a means of managing their blood pressure? If so, Active Living Every Day and Healthy Eating Every Day are the ideal programs for them. Active Living Every Day is an evidence-based behavior change program that helps people recognize the reasons behind their physical inactivity so they can become and stay more physically active. Healthy Eating Every Day helps adults assess their current dietary patterns and learn ways to improve their diets. Both programs use evidence-based behavior change tools, such as learning to set short- and long-term goals, identifying barriers, and overcoming relapses to help people maintain healthy behaviors. Please contact Bhibha Das at 800-747-4457 ext. 2455 for more information about the programs.
Source: HealthDay. September 19, 2008. Many Doctors Don’t Know Blood Pressure Guidelines
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