[Effectiveness of an educational intervention on hypertension directed at elderly hypertensive patients].

Introduction: Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor among people over the age 60. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention tool, and its reliability.

Material And Methods: Experimental study, prospective, randomised, parallel-group in a sample of 120 patients, 62 in the intervention group and 58 in the control group. The intervention group received a written and oral educational program on hypertension and cardiovascular risk; the control group did not receive any intervention.

Results: At the end of the intervention there was an increase in the percentage of correct responses, with statistically significant differences compared to the control group, as regards knowledge of hypertension, risk factors associated with the risks of having high blood pressure and control medication.

Conclusion: The implementation of an educational intervention on hypertension and cardiovascular risk associated with the same care activity is capable of increasing the level of knowledge by elderly hypertensive patients admitted to hospital.