Managing hypertension among veterans in an outpatient screening program.

This report describes the outcomes of a hypertension screening and management program in an outpatient clinic for veterans (pharmacologic/nonpharmacologic subjects, N = 207) located in the Southeastern United States using a retrospective descriptive research approach. Health care was provided in the clinic by nurse practitioners and physicians in conjunction with classes that emphasize lifestyle changes. Weight was a major risk factor on admission and at subsequent visits. Quetelet Index values indicated pharmacologic patients were significantly more overweight (> 30% over ideal weight) than nonpharmacologic patients (> 20% over ideal weight). Significant reductions in blood pressure were obtained for both groups between admission readings and readings taken at 12 and 24 months (p = .0001). No significant differences in blood pressure were noted between the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic groups. Reported lifestyle behavior changes incorporating exercise from first to last visit were more significant for the nonpharmacologic group; however, this group also reported increased alcohol consumption during this time. The pharmacologic group reported overall beneficial improvement in both exercise and decreased use of alcohol. The nonpharmacologic group on average required fewer clinic visits. Interventions targeted toward lifestyle behaviors, a common element in the treatment plans for both groups, appear to have therapeutic benefit.