MANAGEMENT OF SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension has been recognized as a major non-communicable chronic disease and a significant risk factor for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and premature mortality. Within the context of Primary Health Care, its management is considered essential, as it enables timely diagnosis, longitudinal follow-up, and the implementation of strategies to prevent cardiovascular complications. Care organization involves health promotion actions, population screening, cardiovascular risk stratification, encouragement of treatment adherence, and multidisciplinary follow-up, thereby fostering blood pressure control and reducing adverse outcomes. Furthermore, interventions focused on health education, lifestyle changes, and the rational use of antihypertensive medications have proven fundamental to improving the quality of care and enhancing the effectiveness of public policies aimed at controlling the disease. The objective of this study is to analyze, through a systematic literature review, the key scientific evidence regarding the management of systemic arterial hypertension in Primary Health Care, emphasizing strategies for diagnosis, treatment, longitudinal follow-up, and the prevention of cardiovascular complications. Methodology: The systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA checklist recommendations. Searches were performed in the PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases, using scientific articles published within the last 10 years. The descriptors used were: "Hypertension," "Primary Health Care," "Blood Pressure," "Antihypertensive Agents," and "Patient Care Management." Original studies, reviews, and guidelines available in full text—published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish and related to hypertension management in Primary Health Care—were included. Duplicate studies, publications lacking full text, and research focusing exclusively on hospital populations or conditions unrelated to the topic were excluded. Results: Studies demonstrated that effective hypertension control was associated with continuous follow-up by a multidisciplinary team, cardiovascular risk stratification, regular blood pressure monitoring, adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, and health education. Evidence showed that interventions aimed at reducing sodium intake, engaging in regular physical activity, controlling body weight, smoking cessation, and providing individualized follow-up led to better blood pressure control rates and reduced the incidence of cardiovascular and renal complications. Conclusion: Primary Care played a central role in the management of systemic arterial hypertension, fostering early diagnosis, longitudinal follow-up, and preventive interventions capable of reducing morbidity and mortality. The integration of multidisciplinary teams, health education, continuous monitoring, and treatment adherence enhanced the quality of care and contributed to better clinical outcomes and greater effectiveness in healthcare delivery.