Prevalence, awareness, and control of arterial hypertension in Denmark

Hypertension is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Risk is reduced by reduction of blood pressure (BP). The present survey estimated the prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and BP control in Denmark. BP was measured three times on one occasion in a representative sample (n = 7,767) of the Danish population ages 20 to 89 years. Persons with screening BP ≥140/90 mm Hg also measured BP at home. Participants with home BP ≥135/85 mm Hg in general and ≥125/75 mm Hg for patients with diabetes or renal disease were categorized as hypertensive together with those already on antihypertensive treatment. Awareness was registered by questionnaire. Treated patients with BP below relevant limits were categorized as controlled. Age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was on the basis of screening BP 25.7% and by home BP 22.3%. Seventy-two percent of patients found hypertensive by home BP were aware of it, 64% were treated, and 57% of those treated were controlled by office BP and 68% by home BP. One-fifth of the adult Danish population was found to be hypertensive, Awareness and control of hypertension was better than in most previous reports. Control rates similar to those of clinical trials are achievable in clinical practice.