THE DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN THE ELDERLY OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Background. The aim of this study was to apply recommendations from ra ndomized controlled trials and guidelines on the detection and control of hypertension in the elderly to a district health authority populat ion. Methods. A cross-sectional audit of Northamptonshire general prac titioners' (GPs') records from February to June 1993 was carried out. Results. A total of 2428 notes of men and women aged 65 or over regist ered with their GP was audited. A large proportion of patients, 86 per cent (95 per cent CI 84.6-87.4 per cent), had a blood pressure record taken in the last 10 years. Of those with raised blood pressure (BP g reater than or equal to 160/90 mmHg) 49 per cent (95 per cent CI 46.2- 51.8 per cent) were untreated, and 58 per cent (95 per cent CI 54-61.9 per cent) of those labelled as hypertensive were not adequately contr olled. The prevalence of labelled hypertension was 25 per cent (95 per cent CI 23.3-26.7 per cent). Conclusions. From these results is it es timated that between 11 and 29 fatal and non-fatal strokes could be pr evented in the 65-74-year-old age population of Northamptonshire each year if current guidelines were followed. Improved detection and manag ement of elderly hypertensive patients in primary care could contribut e significantly towards the target for stroke reduction set in the Hea lth of the nation strategy.