Awareness Regarding Assessment of Hypertensive Patients Among General Practitioners

Abstract

Background: To assess awareness regarding assessment of hypertensive patients among general practitioners. Subjects and Methods: 140 general practitioners were questioned regarding technique of measurement of blood pressure, diagnosis of prehypertension and hypertension, evaluations of newly diagnosed hypertensive patients etc. Results: Out of 140 subjects, 80 (57.1%) were males and 60 (42.9%) females. Technique of cuff placement was covering 2/3 of arm at heart level was used by 82% GP. They adopted preferred position of patient by 54%, supine by 36% and standing and supine by 10%. Number of readings of blood pressure was used was 1 by 15%, 2 by 35% and 3 by 50%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Common symptoms reported were by GP were dizziness by 42%, morning headache by 65%, palpitation by 58%, easy fatigability by 52% and impotence by 43%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Most of the GPs are well aware and had sufficient knowledge about the initial lab investigations, symptoms and techniques of measuring blood pressure and diagnosing hypertension.