Diagnosis, treatment and management of hypertension in Ukraine: survey of doctors

Abstract

Purpose of the study. The goal of the study was to evaluate the implementation of modern healthcare standards in patients with hypertension by practitioners in Ukraine.
 Materials and methods. We analyzed 76 anonymous questionnaires, represented by cardiologists (65.8%) as well as internists and family doctors (34.2%).
 Results. Most physicians in the diagnostics and correction of hypertension therapy focus on the data of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Doctors rarely prescribe ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for the diagnostics of white coat hypertension. Most doctors prescribe ECG in the presence of heart complaints, but not for investigation of target organs damage, and echocardiography and carotid ultrasound often with each contact. If resistant hypertension is suspected, only 20% of cardiologists prescribe recommended mineralocorticoids. Statins for patients with hypertension, most doctors prescribe "1 patient out of 10".
 Conclusions. In general, the approaches to the treatment of hypertension by the interviewees correspond to modern recommendations. Insufficient understanding by doctors of the indications and frequency of conducting instrumental studies, weak vigilance regarding "white coat" and resistant hypertension, insufficient prescription of statins were established. It is desirable for the compilers of the recommendations to pay more attention to the practical aspects of patient management.