NURSING CARE IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension is characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure levels. It is estimated that approximately 600 million people are diagnosed with this condition, which, if not treated or managed appropriately, can lead to serious complications. The SUS, through PHC, plays a fundamental role in care, acting as the main gateway to health services. By establishing bonds with the community, nursing professionals foster a relationship of closeness and trust with patients. These interventions not only bring individual benefits to patients but also contribute significantly to improving collective health. Methodology: This work will consist of an integrative literature review structured around the guiding question "What nursing care is needed to prevent and manage hypertension in primary health care?" A search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), covering the LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), and SCIELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases. Descriptors registered in DeCS (Health Sciences Descriptors) were used, combined with the Boolean operators AND: Primary Health Care; Nursing Care; Hypertension. The inclusion criteria included articles published in full between 2021 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, that aligned with the study objective. Subsequently, duplicate articles, theses, dissertations, and studies that did not fit the research purposes were excluded. The titles and abstracts of the articles found were read, and those that met the criteria were selected for full reading. The data obtained were organized and presented in tabular form, and discussed according to the relevant literature. Results and discussion: Nursing care in primary health care for hypertension ranges from early detection to ongoing monitoring, considering risk factors, lifestyle habits, and the psychosocial context. Nurses act preventively and educationally, promoting lifestyle changes, treatment adherence, and self-care. Furthermore, educational practices and nursing consultations are central tools for monitoring, guiding, and engaging patients and families. This helps reduce complications, mortality, and costs associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases. Conclusion: In primary care, nursing plays an essential role in managing hypertension, including early risk detection, encouraging healthy lifestyle practices, health education, and comprehensive and humane monitoring.