A Retrospective Study of Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Hypertension in Community Pharmacies

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate results of a hypertension (HTN) screening provided to patients by community pharmacists at various Bashas’ United Drug Stores. Information evaluated includes risk factors for HTN and blood pressure values. Methods: This is a retrospective study analyzing results documented during clinical services provided at community pharmacies in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona between December 2002 and January 2004. Data from 535 patients was collected. Data included risk factors (e.g. age, tobacco use, cardiovascular exercise, family history of HTN) and a blood pressure measurement by a pharmacist. For analysis, patients were separated into two groups based on HTN diagnosis status. The two groups were compared across each risk factor variable and blood pressure measurements. Results: Seven patients were excluded because they did not specify previous HTN status, leaving a total of 528 patients. Significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the following characteristics: age (p < 0.001), HTN management with drugs (p < 0.001), cardiovascular exercise (p < 0.05), family history of HTN (p < 0.001), salt intake (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), measured systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). Implications: Patients with diagnosed HTN were determined to be older, more likely to receive HTN treatment, at a greater level of cardiovascular exercise, greater family history of HTN, more likely diagnosed with diabetes and had a higher systolic and diastolic measurement taken by the pharmacist when compared to the undiagnosed group.