Trend of blood pressure control status in hypertensive outpatients: with special reference to elderly hypertensives.

Blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensives has improved; however, it still remains to be insufficient. We have investigated the trend in BP control status of the hypertensive patients followed for 10 years in hypertension clinic. Subjects included 133 patients who have been followed from the first visit during 1998-2000 to the last visit during 2008-2010. During the mean follow-up period of 10.5 years, average BP and body weight significantly (P < .01) decreased from 143 ± 12/85 ± 8 mm Hg to 129 ± 14/68 ± 11 mm Hg, and from 59.8 ± 9.9 kg to 58.7 ± 10.6 kg, respectively. The achievement rate of good BP control defined as <140/90 mm Hg and the number of antihypertensive drugs also increased significantly during this period (39.1%-77.5% and 1.3 ± 1.0-2.2 ± 1.1, respectively, P < .01). Blood pressure control improved and the number of antihypertensive drugs also increased in 45 patients who were older than 65 years at the last visit. The use of Ca channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and diuretics increased significantly during this period. Results suggest that lifestyle modification including body weight reduction as well as intensive antihypertensive treatment contributed to the improved BP control in hypertensive patients including the elderly.