Resistant hypertension is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk compared to patients controlled on a similar multi-drug regimen.

Abstract

The long-term risk associated with resistant hypertension compared to other phenotypes of hypertension is still unclear. We aimed to assess cardiovascular and renal outcomes over 10 years of follow-up of patients with uncontrolled resistant hypertension (uRH) compared to a similarly treated (≥ 3 medication classes including a diuretic) and adherent group whose blood pressure is under control. This retrospective cohort study utilized the computerized database of Maccabi Healthcare Services, a state-mandated health provider covering 25% of the Israeli population. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Cox regression multivariable analyses. A total of 1487 patients (50% males, mean age at baseline = 68.3 ± 10.4 years) were included in the uRH cohort and 1343 patients (50% males, 66.2 ± 10.6 years) in the controlled hypertension reference group (Controlled hypertension on multi drug regimen- CH-MDR). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI and patients' comorbidities, uRH was associated with a Hazard Ratio of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.08-1.69) for incidence of ischemic heart disease, 1.51 (1.06-2.16) for secondary cardiovascular events, and 1.36 (1.00-1.86) for risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack compared to the reference group. Patients with uRH were found to have more hospitalization days (mean, 4.2 vs. 3 days per year, p < 0.001), and more emergency room visits (83.3% vs. 77%, p < 0.001). Overall, uRH was associated with a 19% (95% CI 11% to 29%) increase in direct healthcare expenditures during the first year of follow-up. uRH is associated with a substantial increased risk of both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, when compared to similarly treated hypertensive patients whose blood pressure is under control.