Blood pressure awareness in Austria: lessons from a 30 years horizon.

摘要: BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) awareness is a main focus of public health efforts. In Austria, an increase knowledge and perception regarding hypertension was seen after nationwide educational campaign in 1978, but subsequent surveys documented only short-term impact. We report results the latest survey 2009 comparison to 1978 1998. METHODS Balanced for Austrian demographic characteristics 1,005 men women older than 15 years age were randomly selected face-to-face interviews about BP awareness, risk factors, hazards treatment options including life-style interventions. RESULTS Overall, 15% identified themselves as hypertensive, which similar from (14%) significantly higher 1998 (12%; P < 0.01). The proportion hypertensives not undertaking any measure (i.e., pharmacotherapy or changes) decreased since (5% vs. 10%; 0.0001). Thirty-three percent recalled have measured their within last 3 months, comparable (34%) lower (49%) (P Alarmingly, unchanged 8% reported no measurement ever (1978 1998: 8%, respectively). Sixty-one believed they would be able clearly identify symptoms hypertension, while 19% knew that might noticeable. Heart attack stroke considered most common sequelae hypertension. CONCLUSION Despite high understanding risks among population, widespread misconception infrequent personal checks are worrisome also valid other Western countries.