Hypertensives in Russia are interested in a healthier lifestyle: results of the RELIF multicenter study.

Background: There are several reasons for the gap between guidelines and routine practice of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Among these patient-related factors are interest and motivation for lifestyle modification.

Design: The article represents a subgroup analysis of RELIF (REgularnoe Lechenie I proFilaktika) study conducted in 20 cities of Russia, where five polyclinics were selected randomly, with five general practitioners (GPs) in each. Each GP enrolled five consecutive hypertensive patients.

Methods: Physicians and patients completed questionnaires concerning patients' medical history, risk factors (RF), health education, interest in lifestyle changes, recommendations and compliance. Patients also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analysis was performed by variation statistics standard algorithm.

Results: 1078 patients were enrolled. The survey revealed a high prevalence of cardiovascular RF (e.g. hyperlipidemia in 64.23 per cent of patients, obesity in 43.97 per cent, smoking in 43.51 per cent of men) as well as of unhealthy food habits. Anxiety was seen in 55.4 per cent of patients and depressive symptoms in 44.8 per cent. A minority knew the cardiovascular RF: hypertension was listed by 22.4 per cent of men and 32.5 per cent of women; obesity by 18.3 per cent of men and 27.8 per cent of women; smoking by 34.9 per cent (men) and 14.9 per cent (women); and cholesterol by 3.3 per cent (men) and 7.7 per cent (women). Among both men and women, 30 per cent knew the limits of normal BP. Many patients (86 per cent) received information predominantly from GPs, and were not satisfied with it. A large number of patients (79.3 per cent) demonstrated various degree of readiness for lifestyle changes, and 30.62-48.8 per cent of patients were interested in additional education.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates both high prevalence of RF in hypertensives in Russia, and low level of patient's knowledge on CVD-related issues. The high level of patients' motivation for lifestyle changes offers possibilities for future improvement.