Probability of stroke in Korean hypertensive patients visiting community-based hospitals: using a risk profile from the Framingham study.

Hypertension is the most important single modifiable risk factor of stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution patterns of risk factors of stroke and 10-year probability of stroke in hypertensive patients visiting community-based hospitals. A total of 1088 hypertensive patients who visited 61 community-based hospitals nationwide were enrolled. Risk factors of stroke were evaluated using a series of laboratory tests and physical examinations, and the 10-year probability of stroke was determined by applying the Framingham stroke risk equation. The proportion of patients who have uncontrolled hypertension despite the use of antihypertensives was 63.3% (59.6% women, 68.7% men; P=0.006). The average 10-year probability of stroke in hypertensive patients was 16.05% (14.68% women, 17.99% men; P<0.001). The 10-year probability of stroke in patients with hypertension gradually increased in proportion to age. In patients treated with antihypertensives, 10-year probability of stroke gradually increased in proportion to blood pressure. The 10-year risk of stroke in hypertensive patients was approximately 4.6 times higher than that of stroke in the general population. In conclusion, as the 10-year risk of stroke in hypertensive patients was approximately 4.6 times higher than that of stroke in the general population, more aggressive interventions are needed to reduce blood pressure and stroke risk in hypertensive patients.