136 ABSTRACTS: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL

A-31 ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AND DIURETIC USE IN A BLACK INNER CITY POPULATION.

Brenda M. Brandon, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; George Entwisle; Aristide Apostolides.

The importance of collecting data on the prescribing trends of antihypertensive drugs is evidenced by the widespread use of these agents: In 1977, three of the top ten most frequently prescribed drugs in the U.S. were antihypertensive medications. Furosemide, a potent diuretic recommended for use only in hyper- tensive patients with severely impaired renal function, was, in 1977, the third most frequently prescribed drug in the U.S. The popularity of furosemide far surpassed the mxe rational and safer thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide. As part of a study to determine hypertension incidence in a high-risk, adult, black, inner-city population, 3307 individuals known to be normotensive in 1973- 1974 were re-examined in 1976-1977. Included in the battery of items asked to these individuals, was a set of specific drug-related questions allowing us to collect data reflecting drug use trends in this population. Analysis of this data demonstrated that diuretics were the most frequently prescribed therapeutic category, accounting for about 12% of the total (210/1674). Fifty-two per cent (110/210) of all reported diuretics were thiazides while approximately 14%

was furosemide. In light of this apparent popularity of potassium depleting diuretics, it is surprising to note that potassium replacement therapy accounted for less than 2% (19/1674 of all drugs. Antihypertensives accounted for 5.3% (86/1674) of all reported drugs; 49% (42/86) of which were fixed-dosed combi- nation products. These data illustrate drug use trends in a black adult inner city population and reflect the prescribing patterns among physicians treating these individuals.

A-32 HYPERTENSION DETECTION PROGRAMS - A COMPARISON STUDY

Robert J. Braun, University of Marquette, School of Dentistry, 604 N. 16th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233; Virginia Goral.

Because of the dental schools' involvement as a screening site for high blood pressure, we looked at similarities and differences in patient populations to see if different populations exhibit similar hypertensive profiles. Specifically, we wished to provide support for hypertension screening in private practice settings. The object- ive of the study was to demonstrate the necessity of a screening effort and its cost effectiveness. Our hypothesis was that any popu- lation would show similar content regarding percent of detected hyper- tensives as well as similar male/female and race ratio as the national norms. The populations studied were: 1) All patients presenting for treatment at a large metropolitan den-

tal school. 2) All patients presenting for treatment in a dental office located

in a large metropolitan area. 3) Persons who presented to a blood pressure screening site of a per-

manent program in a large metropolitan area. Statistical analysis of the data support the hypothesis that supposed- ly select populations (i.e. a dentist's office) exhibit similar char- acteristics of the population at large. This correlation holds for age/sex/race groupings as well. This study is unique in that the three groups analyzed have not been previously compared. The study gives support for efforts concerning implementation of screening for hypertensives by all health practitioners.