Efficacy of an educational intervention group on changes in lifestyles in hypertensive patients in primary care: a randomized clinical trial

Healthy lifestyles are associated with less risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a group educational strategy in lifestyle changes, as well as the control of risk factors and cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. Randomized clinical trial carried out in Primary Care. 101 hypertensive patients were selected by random sampling, aged 35-74; 51 patients were randomized to the intervention group (IG) (aged: 64,5+/-9,7, 56% women) and other 50 to the control group(CG)(aged: 65,4+/-8,4, 68% women). We performed a basal evaluation and an educational intervention on lifestyles, six sessions during one year, and final-point evaluation. Effect of intervention was evaluated through of cardiovascular risk (Framingham), blood pressure, lipid profile, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), nutrient consumption, physical exercise (7-PAR day) and quality of life(SF-36). Basal blood pressure was 136,8/82,7 mmHg IG and 139,3/79,3 CG, cardiovascular risk was 11,1% y 12,3% respectively. Systolic blood pressure decreased 5,6+/-19,6 (p=0,07) IG and 7,1+/-16,3 mmHg (p=0,004) GC, and diastolic decreased 3,9+/-10,8 (p=0,02) and 2,7+/-11,5 mmHg (p=0,10) respectively. BMI decreased 0,3+/-1,6 points IG (p=0,17) and increased 0,1+/-1,5 CG (p=0,81). Coronary risk decreased 0,8+/-6,5 points IG and increased 0,2+/- 6,8 CG; effect of intervention was a reduction in 1 point (CI95%-3,9/1,9)(p=0,48). Calories ingestion decreased 42,8+/-1141,2 Kcal/day p=0,14) IG and 278,9+/-1115,9(p=0,62) CG. Physical exercise increased in both groups: 3,6+/-19 IG (p=0,20) and 3,9+/-14,9 mets/hour/week CG (p=0,07). There was a higher decline of cardiovascular risk in the intervention group than control group, we did not find statistically significant differences between both groups in parameters evaluated.