Screening for hypertension: some epidemiological observations

Abstract

Data obtained in long-term epidemiological studies of arterial blood pressure in the general population in South Wales were analysed to provide background information for the rational planning of screening programmes for hypertension.The incidence rates for cardiovascular complications emphasize the much greater prognostic value of blood pressure measurements in men than in women. Proportionately fewer men are treated for hypertension at all ages and blood pressure levels; in the survey areas treatment for hypertension is less than satisfactory in both sexes but particularly inadequate among men.The data suggest that once a screening programme has been carried out rescreening can be made more efficient by allowing the intervals before re-examination to be determined by the initial findings rather than by age.