The prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in Laval, Quebec, 1986

The prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension were assessed in a representative sample (n = 1,374) of the Laval population (aged 30-69 years). The study was designed to identify people at increased risk for cardiovascular disease because of elevated blood pressure levels rather than to establish a strict clinical prevalence. Defining hypertension as systolic pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg and/or on anti-hypertensive medication, the study found a prevalence of 25% (32% in men, 19% in women). Two thirds (67%) of the male hypertensives and 41% of the female hypertensives were previously unaware of their condition. One in three hypertensives were on medication, and less than half of these were under control. As observed in other studies, control was better in women. The study suggests the continuing need for high blood pressure education and detection in the Laval population, particularly among men.