Apparent Prevalence of Curable Hypertension in the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program

• Data describing the 5,485 participants in the stepped-care group of the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program were reviewed to determine the apparent prevalence of renal parenchymal and reversible, secondary hypertension. The investigation was limited and was not designed to identify all cases of secondary hypertension. Baseline prevalence of proteinuria was 3.6%, pyuria 7.1%, hematuria 5.1%, and elevated serum creatinine level (≥1.7 mg/dL) 2.7%. The combined occurrence of an elevated serum creatinine level plus one or more urinary abnormalities was noted in 0.95%. Initial review of case reports revealed six participants with hypertension secondary to use of birth control pills and three participants with hypertension that was proved to be secondary to renovascular disease. Specific laboratory or historical criteria were used as indications for more intensive investigation in an additional 65 participants. Among these individuals, one participant with renovascular disease and three with possible primary hyperaldosteronism were identified. A rapid-sequence