Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Turkey (the PatenT study) in 2003

Objective To determine the distribution of blood pressure (BP) and prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Turkey (PatenT). Design A population-based cross-sectional epidemiology survey was carried out in 2003. Setting Twenty-six cities from seven geographical provinces of Turkey, with proportional representation of urban and rural populations. Participants A two-stage stratified sampling method was used to select a sample of the adult population over 18 years of age. The total number of participants was 4910. Interventions Data collection and BP measurements were conducted by specifically trained physicians in the households of the participants. Main outcome measures The mean systolic and diastolic BP levels, distribution of blood pressure, prevalence of hypertension (mean systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or mean diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, or previously diagnosed and/or taking antihypertensive drugs), awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were assessed. Results The overall age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in Turkey was 31.8%, and it was higher in women than in men (36.1 versus 27.5%, P < 0.001). In the whole group, 32.2% had never had their BP measured. Overall, 40.7% of those with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis, only 31.1% were receiving pharmacologic treatment and only 8.1% had their BP under control. The subjects who were aware and treated had a control ratio of 20.7%. Conclusions PatenT data indicate that hypertension is a highly prevalent but inadequately managed health problem in Turkey. There is an urgent need for population-based strategies to improve the prevention, early detection and control of hypertension.