Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with markedly elevated blood pressure or hypertensive crises in primary care, Valencia, Venezuela, 2025

• Carlos Luis Garcia Reyes

  https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5262-4893

• Mariangela García González

  https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7433-5529

• Mario José Da Silva González

  Universidad de Carabobo

  https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3321-2552

• Isabella Valentina Rodríguez Venegas

  https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2424-0551

General Objective: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients presenting with markedly elevated blood pressure or hypertensive crises at a primary care center in Valencia, Venezuela, applying the American Heart Association (AHA) 2024 criteria. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted at the "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández" Urban Ambulatory Clinic (January–March 2025). A sample of 120 patients ≥18 years with BP ≥140/90 mmHg at admission was evaluated. Sociodemographic, clinical, and adherence variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis (Chi-square and Odds Ratio). Results: The mean age was 65.7 ± 12.5 years, with a notable female predominance (73.3%) and a 65.9% prevalence of overweight/obesity. Although 85% had a prior diagnosis of hypertension, 80.8% presented with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure, and only 16.7% met the criteria for hypertensive emergency. The most frequent symptoms were headache (27.5%), dizziness (21.7%), and muscle weakness (11.7%). Bivariate analysis showed no statistically significant associations between sex (p=0.36), IMC (p=0.91) or therapeutic adherence (p=1.00) and the type of crisis. Conclusions: The predominant profile is that of an older female with known hypertension and insufficient control. The prevalence of asymptomatic elevations over true emergencies emphasizes the need to strengthen outpatient management. This study represents the first Venezuelan baseline evidence under AHA 2024 guidelines, essential for redesigning prevention strategies at the primary care level.

1. Mario José Da Silva González, Universidad de Carabobo

   1. Medical Surgeon. Rank position number 43 in the promotion of surgeon doctors LXVII of the University of Carabobo.

   2. Advisor on Social Security and Health Processes at the Vice-Rector's Office for Administration at the University of Carabobo

   3. Professor of Microbiology at the University of Carabobo

   4. Administrative Manager of Viraliza Media C.A.

   5. Diploma in Occupational Health and Health Management from IUTEPAL, double honorable mention. 214 hours

   6. Diploma in American English from the University of Carabobo (FUNDAUC) 240 hours

   7. Diploma in Advanced Communication in English from the University of Carabobo (FUNDAUC) 120 hours

   8. Health Administration and Development of Processes in Occupational Health and Safety, held at the Chamber of Small and Medium Industrialists and Artisans of the State of Carabobo 56 hours
   
   9. Student Commission for the Well-being of the Active Faculty Community of the FCS-University of Carabobo (COESBICOP):
   - Founder 2019
   - President for the 2019-2021 and 2022-2023 periods
   
   10. Online medical attention line for the Care of Patients with Respiratory Symptoms Suspected of Covid-19 at the University of Carabobo:
   - Designer and creator of the program

   11. Online medical attention line for the Care of Patients with Psychological Symptoms and University of Carabobo Psychiatric Hospital:
   - Designer and creator of the program

   12. Medication Delivery System by FOPEDIUC to the University Community of the University of Carabobo:

   -Designer and creator of the program, as well as supervisor of its delivery through remote medical care lines.

   
   13. Developer and executor of the expanded recovery of the facilities of the UC-Carabobo School of Medicine as an inter-institutional liaison between the University of Carabobo and the private company REDVITAL.

   
   14. Developer of the expanded recovery of the facilities of the UC-Carabobo School of Public Health and Social Development as an inter-institutional liaison between the University of Carabobo and the private company REDVITAL.

   15. Coordinator of the University of Carabobo medical student volunteer program for the national vaccination plan, under the global emergency scheme for the COVID-19 pandemic, regional epidemiology INSALUD.

   
   16.Dividend Foundation for the Community of Carabobo State: Biosecurity training for the restructuring of services to 10 soup kitchens for low-income children throughout Carabobo state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos Luis Garcia Reyes, Mariángela García González, Mario Jose Da Silva Gonzalez, Isabella Valentina Rodríguez Venegas

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

ISSN:2244-7857

Depósito Legal: ppi200902CA3925