Evaluation of the Hypertensive Patients in Southeastern Anatolia; Demographic Features and Target Organ Damage

We investigated the socio-demographic characteristics, blood and pulse pressure, and end organ damage of hypertensive patients applying to an outpatient cardiology clinic in southeastern Anatolia. End organ damage in 100 consecutive hypertensive patients was defined by left ventricular hypertrophy, retinopathy, and albuminuria. The determined independent risk factors of left ventricular hypertrophy were advanced age and low educational level; of nephropathy were high pulse pressure and unawareness of the name of anti-hypertensive drug; and for retinopathy were high pulse pressure and female gender. In order to prevent end organ damage, the most important aspect to focus on is patient training and pulse pressure.