MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: CURRENTEXPERIENCE AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

BACKGROUND An association between arterial hypertension (AH) and risk for cardiovascular diseases(CVD) has been confirmed in many large scale epidemiological studies. Prevalence andcontrol of AH can be improved with both public health and individually tailored actions.These include lifestyle modifications and implementation of results in clinical practice.However, suboptimal management of AH is a worldwide public health problem. In Slovenia,there is limited data on epidemiology and AH control. This review aimed to comprehensivelysummarize epidemiological studies of AH control and to discuss most frequentreasons for suboptimal management of AH. Finally, two models on improvement of managementof AH are presented and potential applications for Slovenia are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Actions for better management of AH need to be comprehensive. This includes active patientinvolvement in partnership with a doctor, implementation of clinical guidelines inclinical practice, and flexibility of healthcare system, in particular in primary care