Largely Misunderstood By Sufferers, Hypertension Is A Common But Serious Health Problem

Main Category: Hypertension
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice;  Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 09 Aug 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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The distrust of healthcare providers shown by people with high blood pressure impedes effective treatment, as emphasized in a new study published in Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In a systematic review and metasynthesis of eleven qualitative studies published between 2000 and 2005, including more than 500 patients, significant and problematic differences were identified in beliefs about the presence of symptoms, the need to take medications for the rest of one's life, and race-specific treatment plans.

High blood pressure is a common but serious health problem that affects nearly one-third of all adults in the United States. It can be controlled, though not cured, through lifestyle changes and the use of medications, which must be continued for life. Because of the need for long-term treatment, it is essential that patients and healthcare professionals work together to fight the disease. This synthesis of qualitative studies provides valuable information that will assist healthcare providers to better understand and manage conflicts between healthcare provider and patient perspectives of this condition.

"In the presence of ineffective partnering, differences between lay and professional beliefs about hypertension result in inadequate management of the disease," says study author Pam Schlomann, highlighting the need for greater cooperation in combating high blood pressure.

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This study is published in Vol. 19 Issue 7 of Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Pam Schlomann, Ph.D., RN is a Professor at Eastern Kentucky University.

The Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (JAANP) is a monthly peer-reviewed professional journal that serves as the official publication of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Published since 1989, the JAANP is designed to serve the needs of nurse practitioners and other health care professionals who have a major interest in primary health care. The JAANP publishes timely articles addressing clinical practice, clinical management, health policy, research, education, and other issues affecting nurse practitioners and other primary health care providers. For more information, please visit http://www.blackwellnursing.com/jaanp.

Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the merger between Blackwell Publishing Ltd. and John Wiley & Sons, Inc.'s Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,250 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/ or http://interscience.wiley.com/.

Source: Sean Wagner
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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