Physicians assessment of traditional Cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients attending Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate doctors’ assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients with the intent of improving intervention outcome.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 480 case notes of hypertensive patients seen at the medical clinic over a two-year period. Demographic characteristics, evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors and target organs, were assessed. Descriptive statistics was used to show the data distribution.

Results:

Evaluation of smoking history, family history of coronary event, obesity and blood sugar were done in 68.6%, 4.2%, 33.3%, 100% respectively. Lipid profile, renal function and electrocardiogram were evaluated in 59.8%, 82.4% and 90.2% respectively. Level of physical activity and microalbuminuria were not assessed.

Conclusion:

Evaluation for cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, physical activity level and microalbuminuria is poor in our hospital. We suggest creation of more awareness among physicians on cardiovascular risk evaluation.