Evaluation of the management of hypertension among stroke patients in a neurology department of Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Reducing blood pressure after stroke is important to prevent recurrent stroke, but we have no data about the control of blood pressure in our context. The purpose of this study was to assess management of hypertension among post-stroke patients in a neurology department. It was a retrospective study involving hypertensive stroke patients. They were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. 141 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 61 years. Almost all patients (94.3%) received a dual antihypertensive therapy combining mainly an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic (70.2%). During follow-up, only 76 patients were assessed at M1, 50 at M3, 44 at M6 and 42 at M12. The average monthly cost of antihypertensive treatment was 13,771 CFA francs (21 euros). Non-adherence to antihypertensive medication were mostly noted in widows, patients without occupation, those with low education and no health insurance. At one year, blood pressure was controlled in 80% of the 42 patients still present. Non-control of blood pressure was related to poor therapeutic compliance (p<0.05). This study highlights follow-up issues in hypertensive post-stroke patients with a high number of lost to follow-up. Blood pressure was controlled in patients who were regularly followed and adherent to antihypertensive treatment.