Health professionals' advice to Iowa adults with hypertension using the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

High blood pressure (HBP) is a risk-factor for many of the leading causes of premature death due to chronic disease. Research has shown that lifestyle modifications can decrease BP levels. Data on Iowa respondents (with HBP, N = 1,050; without HBP, N = 2,514) of the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed; weighting of variables allowed the results to reflect all adult Iowans. Regression analysis revealed that BP status was the best predictor of whether or not one received advice, despite HBP respondents being older (p < 0.001) and more overweight (p < 0.001). Results showed that Iowans with HBP were more likely to receive advice on all five health professionals' advice questions (odds ratio [OR] 2.75 for less high-fat/high-cholesterol foods, 2.22 for more fruits and vegetables, 2.29 to be more physically active, 2.35 to lose weight, and 2.27 to quit smoking). Conclusions support the hypothesis that persons with HBP receive more lifestyle modification advice from health professionals. However, low prevalence rates indicate that there is still room for improvement to advise at-risk patients more often.