Patterns of care for hypertension among hospitalized patients.

In a sample of 19,210 adult inpatients discharged from Maryland community hospitals in 1978, 1 in 4 had either an elevated diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 100 mmm Hg (3,338) or a diagnosis of hypertension (1,233). Among the patients with elevated blood pressure, hypertension was disgnosed in 44 percent, and 48 percent received advice concerning followup care. Likewise, of the patients with diagnosed hypertension, 72 percent were treated in the hospital, and 70 percent received advice concerning followup care. Age, race, and sex differences were significant. White male were least likely to have hypertension diagnosed, to be treated for it, or to receive instruction about it. The survey results were used to the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to formulate a statewide high blood pressure coordination plan and to construct modules for the education of professional in high blood pressure treatment and control. A followup survey is planned to evaluate the effect of these efforts.