Blood Pressure Control during Hospitalization at the Department of Medicine
Archives of Clinical Hypertension
Research Article
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Research Article
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension control has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality.
However, it is unclear whether it is worthwhile to control blood pressure (BP) in the inpatient setting.
The aim of the study was to determine physicians’ attitude towards the management and control of
hypertension during hospitalization at internal medicine departments.
Methods: Physicians working in general medical wards were asked to answer a questionnaire
regarding their views of various aspects of hypertension control and management during hospitalization
in general medical wards.
Results: One hundred twenty-seven physicians responded, 58 (46%) of them estimated that 50%
of their inpatients have a diagnosis of hypertension. The majority of the respondents (71, 56%) believe
that high BP should not be balanced during hospitalizations. According to the physicians report most of
the BP measurements were done by nurses (81%) or by non-certified staff (17%). In most of the cases,
the arm where BP was measured was not recorded (81%), and measurements in both supine and
standing positions were not accomplished (in <10% of the cases according to 50% of respondents). In
most of the departments (70%) there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of hypertension. Two
thirds of the physicians do not recommend antihypertensive combination medications.
Conclusions: Many patients who are hospitalized at internal medicine departments have
hypertension, but there is a lack of uniformity with regard to these patients’ BP measurements and
treatment. The approach to BP management in internal medicine departments should be elucidated
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