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.
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.