National Registry of Hypertension. Epidemiological Characteristics of Hypertension in Argentina. The RENATA 2 study

Background: Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality. As the prevalence of hypertension is increasing, it is necessary to know the updated information in Argentina. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in Argentina. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including subjects ≥ 18 years from 25 cities in Argentina. The participants were surveyed and blood pressure was measured using validated automated sphygmomanometers. Results: A total of 5.931 subjects were surveyed. Mean age was 43.5±17.1 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 36.3% (95% CI, 35.1-37.6), was higher in men (43.7% vs. 30.4%; p < 0.0001), and increased with age in both sexes. Among subjects with hypertension, 38.8% were unaware of their condition while 5.7% knew it but were not receiving treatment. In 55.5% of cases, subjects were receiving therapy, and only 24.2% were well controlled, particularly women. In treated subjects, 73.4% were receiving monotherapy and hypertension was controlled in only 43.6%. Patients who adhered to treatment had better blood pressure control than those who did not (46.9% vs. 40.1%; p=0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in Argentina is 36.3%, in agreement with the reports of the World Health Organization for the region. In 38.8% of cases, participants were unaware of their condition. Half of the subjects with hypertension were receiving drug therapy and only 25% were controlled. Three out of four patients treated were receiving monotherapy. Blood pressure control was associated with better adherence to treatment. Introducción: La hipertensión arterial es el principal factor de riesgo para enfermedad y muerte cardiovascular. Su prevalencia va en aumento, lo cual hace necesario conocer los datos actualizados en la Argentina. Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia, el conocimiento, el tratamiento y el control de la hipertensión arterial en la Argentina. Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal que incluyó individuos ≥ 18 años de 25 ciudades argentinas. Los participantes fueron encuestados y se midió la presión arterial con presurómetros automáticos validados. Resultados: Se encuestaron 5.931 individuos, con una edad promedio de 43,5 ± 17,1 años. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial fue del 36,3% (IC 95% 35,1-37,6), siendo mayor en varones (43,7% vs. 30,4%; p < 0,0001). La prevalencia aumentó con la edad en amb