Hypertension as a risk factor
Roccella, E.J.; Bowler, A.E.
Cardiovascular Clinics 20(3): 49-63
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0069-0384 PMID: 2186866 Document Number: 349312
Hypertension has been demonstrated to be a clear risk factor for CHD. The finding that hypertension is a risk factor has been demonstrated in observation studies, actuarial data and clinical trials. The relationship between blood pressure and CHD is strong. As blood pressure rises, risk for cardiovascular events increases. This is true for both sexes, for blacks and whites, and for all age categories. Clinical trials, both large and small, have demonstrated that lowering blood pressure can reverse the risk and reduce morbidity and mortality. This cause-and-effect relationship has been replicated consistently, and there is not one well-controlled trial of adequate size that has failed to show this finding. It is important to know which concept of risk to use in developing hypertensive programs. The concept of relative risk is useful to determine whether a public health program is needed within a population, but it has less value in identifying which subset of the population in which to intervene. In essence, relative risk is used to mandate a program but cannot determine where the program should be directed. Hypertension attributable risk describes which individuals are at greatest risk and serves to guide planners as to which groups have the greatest mortality once blood pressure becomes elevated. Population attributable risk becomes the most useful tool in identifying or locating those communities of highest-risk individuals.