Wednesday, July 9, 2003: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM | |||
Enhancing Adherence to Behavioral Interventions for Hypertension | |||
| Learning Objective #1: Describe the evidence supporting the efficacy of behavioral interventions for hypertension | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss strategies to enhance adherence to behavioral interventions for hypertension | |||
| The American Heart Association (2002) reports shocking statistics related to hypertension: 31.6 % of those with hypertension don't know they have it and therefore are not on therapy, 14.8% with hypertension are not on therapy, and 26.2% are on inadequate therapy. Only 27.4% of those with hypertension are receiving adequate therapy. Treatment guidelines of hypertension (JNC VI) recommend a trial of 6-12 months of non-pharmacological interventions prior to beginning antihypertensive medications. In practice, this typically involves a statement to the patient that goes something like this "You may be able to get your blood pressure under control if you can reduce your salt and alcohol intake, exercise regularly, lose some weight, and stop smoking. Here is a pamphlet that describes this. Let's try this for the next few months…" There is now good evidence for the efficacy of behavioral interventions, including relaxation training, in reducing blood pressure (BP). These are effective not only for those with hypertension (BP > 140/90 mmHg), but for those whose BP is high normal (BP 130-39 / 85-89 mmHg). Reports suggest that BP can be reduced 4-10 mmHg or more through changes in behavior. Though small this reduction can decrease the risk of developing complications in both those with high normal BP and hypertension. Yet a major reason for this small decrease may be difficulty with adherence to lifestyle changes. This discussion will focus on the evidence for the efficacy of behavioral interventions for hypertension and strategies to increase adherence to lifestyle modifications. | |||
| Organizer: | Carolyn B. Yucha, RN, PhD, Professor | ||
International Evidence-Based Practice Preconference
Sigma Theta Tau International
9 July 2003