Longitudinal community-based assessment of blood pressure control among Japanese hypertensive patients: Fukushima research of hypertension (FRESH).

In this observational cohort study, the authors assessed the achievement of treatment goals as defined in the Japanese Society of Hypertension's Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension (JSH 2004) among 2743 Japanese hypertensive patients who were followed for 1 year (follow-up rate of 82.6%). Median age was 72 years, and 45% were men. Achievement of treatment goals across all 4 seasons was very low, at 4.1% among patients with diabetes mellitus or renal disease, 3.9% among nonelderly patients (<65 years of age) without these diseases, and 30.8% among elderly patients (>or=65 years of age) without these diseases. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining appropriate blood pressure control. In addition, an analysis of factors associated with achievement rates identified the importance of weight control, lifestyle modification, and family history, and indicated a need for better blood pressure management before complications arise.