High blood pressure: public views and knowledge.

After completing a screening for hypertension among patients aged between 45 and 54 in a group practice, a sample of both responders and non-responders to screening were surveyed to determine their attitude to screening and knowledge of hypertension.The reasons for non-response were various, and 18 per cent felt screening to be unnecessary. There was little difference between responders (both hypertensive and non-hypertensive) and non-responders in their knowledge of hypertension, and they were well informed about related conditions and illnesses caused by hypertension. The majority were aware of some likelihood of the disease being symptomless, and 38 per cent thought no symptoms were likely to be caused by hypotensive drugs. They seemed aware that the treatment was long term, but only 14 per cent thought it would be life-long.