Blood pressure control in the hypertension clinic

Abstract Background One effort to improve hypertension care in the United States is the development of the “Hypertension Specialist” program with appropriate training and certification of individual physicians. Methods We examined the impact of a hypertension clinic on blood pressure (BP) levels and control. Results By one year, BP declined 18/9 mm Hg, (P = .001) and BP control rates increased from 26% to 55% (P< .001) for systolic BP, from 47% to 82% (P< .001) for diastolic BP and from 18% to 52% (P< .001) for both. Age and systolic BP were significantly higher in uncontrolled patients. Conclusions Attendance in a hypertension clinic significantly impacts BP control.