Elevated blood pressure in men accompanying patients to the obstetrician'soffice

Hypertension is common and leads to increased mortality among adults; yet, one-third of hypertensive adults in the United States are unaware of their condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of unre cognized elevated blood pressure (BP) in men accompanying pregnant women to the obstetrician's office. Blood pressure measurements were offered to men accompanying pregnant women to four obstetrics practices in St. Louis, Mis souri. Age, race, history of hypertension, and relationship to the pregnant woman were also recorded. A total of 191 men participated in the study. Pa rticipants' ages ranged from 15 to 69 years, with a mean of 27 years. Eleva ted BP (> 140/90 mm Hg) was detected in 40 men (21%). Only 5% of men with a n elevated BP were aware of a prior history of elevated BP. We conclude tha t the obstetrician's office provides a good opportunity for initial screeni ng for hypertension in men. Follow-up is necessary to determine the accurac y of the diagnosis. Am J Hypertens 2000;13:1042-1044 (C) 2000 American Jour nal of Hypertension, Ltd.