Detection and treatment of hypertension in rural Australia

Background: The inequity of cardiac health outcomes between metropolitan and rural areas is well documented. As hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, we need to have a better understanding of how well it is detected and managed rural areas. This study reports on the prevalence, detection and treatment of hypertension in rural Australia.

Method: Three population stratified surveys were undertaken in the Greater Green Triangle. Three thousand three hundred and twenty adults aged 25–74 years were randomly selected, stratified by gender and 10-year age groups. Anthropometric, clinical and self-administered questionnaire data relating to chronic disease risk were collected in accordance with the WHO MONICA protocol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by trained nurses and the questionnaire collected information on the history of hypertension and medications used for treatment.

Results: Information on BP measurement, medication and awareness was available on 1506 (45%) participants. Study found that one-third of participants had hypertension. Only 54% (95% CI 47–60) of male and 71% (65–77) of female participants with hypertension were aware of their condition. While only half of the participants with hypertension were treated, only half of these treated participants had their hypertension under control. Treatment and control of hypertension was more common in women (60%, 54–67 and 55%, 47–64) compared with men (42%, 36–49 and 35%, 26–44).

Conclusion: Results of our study suggest that detection and treatment of hypertension in rural is suboptimal, particularly in men. If cardiovascular outcomes are to improve in rural Australia, people need to be encouraged to have their blood pressure measured regularly and better systems for the management of hypertension in primary care are needed.