204 ABSTRACTS: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL

A-167 "DON'T LOSE YOUR NATURE OVER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE"

Jeffrey Newman, San Francisco Hypertension Coordinating Council, San Francisco Heart Association, 421 Powell St., San Francisco, California 94102; Timothy Toye Moses.

One of the objectives of the San Francisco Hypertension Coordinating Council is to identify obstacles to treatment in its target neighborhoods. To investigate public beliefs and misconceptions regarding the benefits and risks of antihypertensive treatment, a survey was conducted at various hypertension clinics, classes, and health fairs. This non-random sample included two hundred individuals; fifty five per cent (110) were Black. Sixty per cent (120) stated that they believed, in general, anti-hypertensive medicines were associated with sexual impotence. Twenty eight per cent (55) had been treated with guanethidine and twenty per cent (40) had been treated with methyldopa. Sexual impotence is a well established side effect of a few antihypertensive agents. Hypertensives and some providers, however, may not be aware that it is possible to eliminate or avoid this side effect by using other agents or life style approaches. The San Francisco Hypertension Coordinating Council is evaluating this problem further. We have initiated a patient education effort called "Don't Lose Your Nature Over High Blood Pressure".

A-168 "STAYING ALIVE MAY ONE THRU FIVE"-HYPERTENSION SCREENING AND AWARENESS WEEK IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.

Marcia Nusgart, Academy of Pharmacy of Central Ohio, 500 West Twelveth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210.

To educate the public about the importance about early detection and treatment of hypertension, community and hospital pharmacists, local physicians, and volunteers from the Red Cross, Heart Association, Columbus Department of Health, and WENS-TV and radio co-operated on a week long screening and referral program on the statehouse grounds. Over 100 pharmacists and trained Red Cross volunteers took 1589 patient histories and blood pressures. The Heart Association guidelines were used to evaluate the readings. Patients whose first reading was ele- vated were checked one week later; if the second reading was elevated, patients were referred to their own physicians or to a hospital or family practice center or Neighborhood Health Center with whom prior arrangements had been made. Of the 72 people rechecked the second week, 46 were given a referral. The educational program featured local entertainment as well as booths and kiosks, involved volunteers from YMCA, Kidney Association, Dietetic Association, and was reinforced by WENS-TV and radio broadcasting live from the site. The success of the program was measured both by the large number of screening provided, and by its broad based community support. Plans are being made to repeat this much needed program.