Screening for pre-hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk factors in a Thai community pharmacy (original) (raw)

Objectives To identify subjects with prehypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk factors in a community pharmacy and to assess their readiness to adopt lifestyle changes. Setting An accredited community pharmacy in Songkla province, Thailand. Method Subjects aged C 35 years old and reporting no hypertension or other cardiovascular disease were included. Blood pressure was measured using the Microlife BP 3AC1-1. Those with pre-hypertension or hypertension defined by the JNC 7, and reporting no diabetes and/or dyslipidemia, were checked for blood glucose and/or total cholesterol with the Accutrend GCT monitor. Other risk factors were collected. Their readiness to adopt healthy lifestyles was evaluated. Main outcome measure The prevalence of pre-hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk factors. Results 350 subjects met the study criteria. Approximately 36 and 29% were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive, respectively. Two of these had blood glucose [ 200 mg/dl but about 47% had total cholesterol [ 200 mg/dl. Most common modifiable cardiovascular risks were inadequate exercise and elevated body mass index (*52% each). Almost 40% were ready to adopt healthy lifestyles within 1-6 months. Conclusion Subjects at risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease can be identified by community pharmacists, with the use of point-of-care devices and careful interview. Keywords Blood pressure Á Cardiovascular risks Á Community pharmacy Á Diabetes Á Dyslipidemia Á Hypertension Á Pharmacist Á Point-of-care Á Screening Á Thailand Impact of findings on practice statement • An opportunistic health screening for elevated cardiovascular risk factors in subjects without a history of the diseases can be conducted by community pharmacists. • Potential new cases of hypertension and dyslipidemia can be identified with point-of-care devices and careful interview performed by community pharmacists. • From the perspective of early disease detection and prevention, health screening, health promotion and education by pharmacists should be considered as part of providing pharmaceutical care services.