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

AbstractBackground: 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, obe...