Effects of a Structured Education Program on Blood Pressure in Essential Hypertensive Patients

Effects of a Structured Education Program on Blood Pressure in Essential Hypertensive Patients and Effects of a Reminder Program for Physicians to Guide Optimal Therapy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a structured educational program for hypertensive patients. The program was developed at the University of Dusseldorf, Germany. The contents of the program are as follows: teaching of the background of hypertension, techniques of self estimation of blood pressure, life style and dietary habits, some information concerning the different pharmacological properties to treat hypertension

see brief description section

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intellectual and physical ability to attend teaching program,
• Capability to do and document blood pressure self-measurement,
• Systolic blood pressure >160 and/or diastolic blood pressure >95 mmHg,
• At least 3 months of preexisting medicamentous anti-hypertensive treatment,
• 15% or higher risc in New Zealand Risc Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Failing inclusion criteria