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Blood pressure control in a diabetic population assessed by computer review

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 20, pages 540–542 (2006)Cite this article

Recent data from multicentre randomized controlled clinical trials suggest that tight BP management has greater benefit than strict glucose control in patients with diabetes.1, 2 In recognition of this, the American Diabetes Association (echoing recommendations from the sixth and seventh Joint National Councils for Hypertension (JNC 6 and VII3) recommends a goal BP <130/85 mm Hg for patients with diabetes. There is also evidence that management of BP in hypertensive populations is often suboptimal.4 Using computer-based data retrieval similar to previous work from our group,5, 6 we evaluated BP control and medication use to develop strategies to achieve improved BP control in a population of diabetic veterans.

All computerized health records in VANCHCS of pharmacologically treated diabetic patients were reviewed. Based on a preliminary review, we analysed records from July 1999 through December 2000 to comprise an 18-month review period. Paired BP readings were stratified by JNC VI criteria (in use at the time of the evaluation). Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and pharmacy data were then retrieved for these patients. The study was approved by the Human Studies Subcommittee, VA Northern California Health Care System.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported in part by the Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Services, VA Northern California Health Care System, Martinez and Sacramento, CA, USA

    A Swislocki, R H Noth, B Volpp & D Siegel

  2. Department of Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA

    A Swislocki, R H Noth & D Siegel

  3. Pharmacy Services, VA Northern California Health Care System, Martinez and Sacramento, CA, USA

    J Meier

Authors
  1. A Swislocki
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  2. R H Noth
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  3. B Volpp
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  4. J Meier
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  5. D Siegel
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Correspondence to A Swislocki.

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Swislocki, A., Noth, R., Volpp, B. et al. Blood pressure control in a diabetic population assessed by computer review. J Hum Hypertens 20, 540–542 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001987

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