NURSING PRACTICE IN HYPERTENSION CONTROL IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the role of Primary Health Care nurses in the management of arterial hypertension. The study consisted of an Integrative Literature Review with a qualitative approach. The inclusion criteria prioritized recent studies published between 2022 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search strategy was implemented using the following descriptors: Nursing; Hypertension; Primary Health Care; Blood Pressure Monitors; and Health Education, covering the global context without geographical restrictions, provided that the full texts were accessible. Scientific studies retrieved from the following databases were analyzed: PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and ScienceDirect. The literature indicates that nurses perform their role mainly through nursing consultations, individual and group health education, organized follow-up programs, and, to a lesser extent, complementary and integrative practices. Educational interventions and nurse-led programs contribute to reducing blood pressure levels and improving hypertension control, providing more sustained long-term benefits. Furthermore, these actions strengthen the self-efficacy required to adopt lifestyle changes and use medications regularly, while non-adherence remains high, particularly among younger individuals. Therefore, it is concluded that nurses play a strategic role; however, the scope of their practice depends on well-defined protocols, continuity of care, teamwork, and ongoing professional training.