Ambulatory Hypertensive Patients Research Articles

The usefulness of SAGE score in predicting high pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Aortic stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an important predictor to evaluate the risk of hypertensive patients. However, it is underutilized in clinical practice. We aimed to identify the optimal cutoff SAGE score that would indicate a risk PWV ≥ 10 m/s in Brazilian ambulatory hypertensive patients. A retrospective cohort study. Patients underwent central blood pressure measurement using a validated oscillometric device from August 2020 to December 2021. A ROC curve was constructed using the Youden statistic to define the best score to identify those at high risk for PWV ≥ 10 m/s. A total of 212 hypertensive individuals were selected. The mean age was 64.0 ± 12.4 years and 57.5% were female. The following comorbidities were present: overweight (47.6%), obesity (34.3%), and diabetes (25.0%). Most of the sample (68.9%) had PWV < 10 m/s. According to Youden's statistic, a cutoff point of 6 provided the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with a PWV ≥ 10 m/s. This cutoff achieved sensitivity of 97.0%, and specificity of 82.9%. In clinical practice, however, a cutoff point of 7 (where score values of at least 7 were considered to indicate high risk) had a positive likelihood ratio of 8.2 and a negative likelihood ration of 0.346, making this the ideal choice by accurately excluding patients who are less likely to have PWV ≥ 10 m/s. A SAGE score ≥7 identified Brazilian hypertensive patients with a high risk of PWV ≥ 10 m/s.

Adherence Monitoring Package (AMoPac) in patients suspected of non-response to antihypertensive treatment: perceived usefulness by general practitioners

BackgroundNon-adherence to antihypertensive agents is common, mainly because of the low perceived burden of high blood pressure. General practitioners (GPs) are unable to predict whether patients are adhering to a...

The effect of COVID-19 on poor treatment control among ambulatory Hypertensive and/or Diabetic patients in Northwest Ethiopia

Diabetes and hypertension have emerged as important clinical and public health problems in Ethiopia. The need to have long-term sustainable healthcare services for patients with diabetes and hypertension is essential to enhance good treatment control among those patients and subsequently delay or prevent complications. A collective shift towards acute care for COVID-19 patients combined with different measures to contain the pandemic had disrupted ambulatory care. Hence, it is expected to have a significant impact on treatment control of hypertensive and diabetic patients. However, there is limited evidence on the effect of the pandemic on treatment control and its determinants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment control of ambulatory Hypertensive and Diabetic patients and identify the factors for poor treatment control in North West Ethiopia. A retrospective chart review and cross-sectional survey design were conducted between December 2020 and February 2021. Using a stratified systematic random sampling technique, 836 diabetic and/or hypertensive patients were included in the study. Web-based data collection was done using Kobo collect. The changes in the proportion of poor treatment control among ambulatory Hypertensive and/or Diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period were assessed. A multivariable binary logistic regression mixed model was fitted to identify the determinants of poor treatment control. The odds ratios were reported in both crude and adjusted form, together with their 95% confidence intervals and p-values. Poor treatment control increased significantly from 24.81% (21.95, 27.92) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to 30.33% (27.01, 33.88), 35.66% (32.26, 39.20), 36.69% (33.40, 40.12), and 34.18% (3102, 37.49) in the first, second, third, and fourth months following the date of the first COVID-19 case detection in Ethiopia, respectively. Marital status (AOR = 0.56, 95%CI; 0.41, 0.74), regimen of medication administration (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI; 1.02, 166), daily (AOR = 0.12, 95%CI; 0.08, 0.20), twice (AOR = 0.42, 95%CI; 0.30. 0.59), and three times (AOR = 0.31, 95%CI; 0.21, 0.47) frequency of medication, number medications taken per day (AOR = 0.79, 95%CI;0.73, 0.87), patients habits like hazardous alcohol use (AOR = 1.29, 95%CI; 1.02, 1.65) and sedentary lifestyle (AOR = 1.72,95%CI;1.46, 2.02), missed appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI; 1.79, 2.45), and presence of disease related complication (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI; 0.93, 1.34) were significantly associated with poor treatment control among Diabetic and/or hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on ambulatory Diabetic and/or Hypertensive patients' treatment control. Being married, as well as the frequency and types of medicines taken per day were all found to be negatively associated with poor treatment control. During the COVID -19 pandemic, patients' habits such as hazardous alcohol use and sedentary lifestyle, longer follow-up time, having disease-related complication (s), patients taking injectable medication, number of medications per day, and missed appointments were positively associated with poor treatment control in ambulatory diabetic and hypertensive patients. Therefore, it is better to consider the risk factors of poor treatment control while designing and implementing policies and strategies for chronic disease control.

Blood pressure, frailty status, and all-cause mortality in elderly hypertensives; The Nambu Cohort Study

Antihypertensive therapy is pivotal for reducing cardiovascular events. The 2019 Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension set a target blood pressure (BP) of <140/90 mmHg for persons older than 75 years of age. Optimal BP levels for older persons with frailty, however, are controversial because evidence for the relationship between BP level and prognosis by frailty status is limited. Here, we evaluated the relationship between systolic BP and frailty status with all-cause mortality in ambulatory older hypertensive patients using data from the Nambu Cohort study. A total of 535 patients (age 78 [70–84] years, 51% men, 37% with frailty) were prospectively followed for a mean duration of 41 (34–43) months. During the follow-up period, 49 patients died. Mortality rates stratified by systolic BP and frailty status were lowest in patients with systolic BP < 140 mmHg and non-frailty, followed by those with systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and non-frailty. Patients with frailty had the highest mortality regardless of the BP level. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of each category for all-cause mortality were as follows: ≥140 mmHg/Non-frailty 3.19 (1.12–11.40), <140 mmHg/Frailty 4.72 (1.67–16.90), and ≥140 mmHg/Frailty 3.56 (1.16–13.40) compared with <140 mmHg/Non-frailty as a reference. These results indicated that frail patients have a poor prognosis regardless of their BP levels. Non-frail patients, however, with systolic BP levels <140 mmHg had a better prognosis. Frailty may be a marker to differentiate patients who are likely to gain benefit from antihypertensive medication among older hypertensives.

Variation of Ultrasonic Renal Volume between Hypertensive and Non-Hypertensive Individuals in Relation to Body Size Parameters.

Estimation of renal size is vital for the diagnosis of abnormal structural change on the kidneys due to the adverse effects of chronic diseases like hypertension. This study evaluated renal volume by ultrasound in relation to body size parameters, notably body mass index (BMI) and body surface area(BSA) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals. A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2018 at the Radiology department of the Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC). The study included consecutively selected samples of 85 ambulatory hypertensive patients and 60non-hypertensive controls recruited consecutively on voluntary basis. After receiving verbal consent, each subject underwent abdominal ultrasound examination and length, width and thickness of both kidneys were measured and used for estimation of renal volume. The statistical evaluation included independent samples t-tests for mean differences with regard to ultrasonic renal measurements between hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups. A total of 145 adults aged 16 - 80 years (mean ±SD=44 ±17) participated in the study. In the hypertensive group, mean renal volume of 97.7cm3 for the right kidney and104.4cm3 for the left kidney whereas in the control group, it was 101.1cm3 for the right and 111.8 cm3 for the left kidney. The mean right renal volume to BSA ratio was 58.2cm3/m2 in hypertensive group, while it was 62.6cm3/m2 among the control group (p=0.076). The mean left renal volume to BSA of the patients was 62.2cm3/m2 and significantly (p=0.012) lower than that of the non-hypertensive group, which was 69.3 cm3/m2. Slightly smaller bilateral renal volume among hypertensive patients as compared the controls was obtained.

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among ambulatory hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study from 13 general hospitals.

Background/AimsTo examine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among ambulatory hypertensive patients.MethodsWe enrolled adult ambulatory hypertensive patients at 13 well-qualified general hospitals in Korea from January to June 2012. Apparent resistant hypertension was defined as an elevated blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg with the use of three antihypertensive agents, including diuretics, or ≥ 4 antihypertensives, regardless of the blood pressure. Controlled hypertension was defined as a blood pressure within the target using three antihypertensives, including diuretics.ResultsAmong 16,915 hypertensive patients, 1,172 (6.9%) had controlled hypertension, and 1,514 (8.9%) had apparent treatment-resistant hypertension. Patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension had an earlier onset of hypertension (56.8 years vs. 58.8 years, p = 0.007) and higher body mass index (26.3 kg/m2 vs. 24.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001) than those with controlled hypertension. Drug compliance did not differ between groups. In the multivariable analysis, earlier onset of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 0.99; p < 0.001) and the presence of comorbidities (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.35; p < 0.001), such as diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, were independent predictors. Among the patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, only 5.2% were receiving ≥ 2 antihypertensives at maximally tolerated doses.ConclusionsApparent treatment-resistant hypertension prevalence is 8.9% among ambulatory hypertensive patients in Korea. An earlier onset of hypertension and the presence of comorbidities are independent predictors. Optimization of medical treatment may reduce the rate of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension.

Rate of blood pressure control and its determinants among adult hypertensive patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia: Prospective cohort study.

Introduction:Despite the fact that the goals for the management of hypertension are well-defined and effective therapies are available, control of hypertension remains poor in countries with low resources including Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine blood pressure control rate and its determinants among ambulatory adult hypertensive patients at Jimma University Medical Center.Methods:A general prospective cohort study was conducted among adult hypertensive patients who had regular follow-up at Jimma University Cardiac Clinic from 20 March to 20 June 2018. Hypertensive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected in the first month of the data collection period. Then, only those patients who visited the clinic at the first month were consequently followed-up for the next 3 months. The Eighth Joint National Committee guideline was used to categorize controlled and uncontrolled blood pressures. Patients’ specific data were collected using a structured data collection tool. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 21.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent variables influencing blood pressure control. p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results:From a total of 416 patients, 237 (57.0%) were male with a mean age of 56.50 ± 11.96 years. Two hundred and fifty eight (62.0%) participants had comorbid conditions and 275 (66.1%) were on combination therapy. The rate of blood pressure control was 42.8%. Age ⩾60 years was negatively associated with uncontrolled blood pressure (adjusted odd ratio = 0.52, confidence interval = 0.31–0.88, p = 0.015). Medication non-adherence (adjusted odd ratio = 1.64, confidence interval = 1.04–2.58, p = 0.034) and non-adherence to international guidelines (adjusted odd ratio = 2.33, confidence interval = 1.49–3.64, p < 0001) were positively associated with uncontrolled blood pressure.Conclusion:The rate of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients was suboptimal. Age, clinicians’ non-adherence to international guidelines, and patients’ non-adherence to medications were independent predictors of blood pressure control. Physicians and clinical pharmacists should adhere to guidelines for better treatment and care of hypertensive patients.

Treatment resistant hypertension among ambulatory hypertensive patients: A cross sectional study.

BackgroundTreatment resistant hypertension(TRH) is detrimental risk of cardiovascular and premature deaths. Globally, the prevalence of resistant hypertension is inclining from time to time and it is yet to be determined in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of apparent TRH and its predictors among ambulatory hypertensive patients on follow up in hypertension clinic of Mekelle Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.MethodA hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from Nov 25, 2018 to July 20, 2019, among 338 adult ambulatory hypertensive patients on follow up in Mekelle Hospital hypertension clinic. Hypertensive patient aged ≥18 years who were on regular follow up and taking antihypertensive medications for at least 6 months were included in the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit the study patients.ResultsA total of 338 adult ambulatory hypertensive patients were analysed. More than half, 182 (53.8%) patients were females and the average age of the patients was 58.9 ±11.5. Three hundred thirty-three (98.5%) patients had no family history of hypertension. Majority, 66.8% of the patients were on monotherapy. The prevalence of apparent TRH was calculated to be 8.6% [Confidence Interval = 0.056–0.116]. Patients with Body Mass Index(BMI) greater than 30[Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 12.1, 95%CI:2.00–73.19, p = 0.007] and longer duration of hypertension were the predictors of resistant hypertension.ConclusionEven if escalation of antihypertensive medications was not aggressive, apparent TRH was common in the study setting. Obesity (BMI greater than 30) and longer duration of hypertension since diagnosis were the predictors of TRH. Meticulous emphasis should be placed on to detect the prevalence of true hypertension resistance and future studies should discover the impact of aggressive antihypertensive medications scale up on the risks of TRH.

Blood pressure control practice and determinants among ambulatory hypertensive patients attending primary health care facilities in Addis Ababa.

Background:Hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases related morbidity and mortality. Blood pressure is often not adequately controlled in clinical practice. Information regarding blood pressure control in primary care settings is limited in Ethiopia.Objectives:This study aimed to assess blood pressure control practice and determinates among hypertensive patients attending primary health care facilities in Addis Ababa.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 616 hypertension patients in 12 health centers in Addis Ababa city. Data were collected by interviewing patients and reviewing their medical records. Data were collected from 3 August to 30 October 2015.Results:A complete information was obtained from 616 patients’ medical records, and patients were then interviewed. The mean age was 58.90 (SD ± 13.04) years, and most of them (n = 321, 52.1%) were 60 years old or above, and more than three-fourth (n = 485) were on monotherapy. Methyldopa was the most monotherapy medication prescribed, 128 (20.8%). Only 31% (n = 191) of the patients had controlled blood pressure. Determinants for poor blood pressure control were age less than 60 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.96, 4.78); work status: government employee (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.90), retired (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.18), and private business (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.74); and being hypertensive for 10 or more years (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.43). Significant predictors of achieving controlled blood pressure were weekly blood pressure measurement practice (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.90) and tertiary-level education (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.54).Conclusions:Only one-third of the patients had controlled blood pressure. Efforts should be made to address identified determinants including age, regular blood pressure monitoring practice, and level of education.

Combination Antihypertensive Therapy Prescribing and Blood Pressure Control in a Real-World Setting.

Specific combinations of two drug classes are recommended in a variety of clinical situations in the management of hypertension. These preferred combinations are based on complimentary blood pressure (BP) lowering mechanisms or benefit for a concomitant disease. Using electronic health records (EHRs) data from 27,579 ambulatory hypertensive patients, we investigated antihypertensive therapy prescribing patterns and associations of preferred two drug classes with BP control. Overall, BP control, defined as BP <140/90 mm Hg, was 65% among treated patients. Preferred dual antihypertensive therapy was prescribed in 55% of patients with uncomplicated hypertension, 49% of patients with diabetes, and 47% of patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI); these prescribing frequencies of preferred combinations were not explained by worse BP control on those combinations. In fact, we found suggestive evidence of association between prescribing of preferred two drug classes and improved BP control among post-MI (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99-1.48, P = 0.061) and uncomplicated hypertensive (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.98-1.26, P = 0.089) patients. Prescribing of guideline-recommended antihypertensive drug classes for concomitant diseases is suboptimal and prescribing of preferred/optimized drug class combinations was moderate. We did not find a clear association between the use of optimized drug class combinations and greater BP control. Overall, using EHR data, we identified potential opportunities for re-examining prescribing practices with implications for clinical decision support and healthcare improvement at the community and health system-wide levels.

Perceptions and Practices towards Medication Non-Adherence among Hypertensive Patients: An Observational Study.

BackgroundThe present study broadly evaluates the adherence to pharmacotherapy, perceptions, and practices among ambulatory hypertensive patients attending a cardiac institution in Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Karachi, Pakistan. The study continued from 4 July 2019 to 3 September 2019. A total of 200 patients with a primary diagnosis of hypertension (HTN) were recruited for the study. The data was collected through a questionnaire based on a nine-item modified adherence predictor scale to assess medication adherence. Along with the demographic details patients smoking status, history of comorbidities and past complications were noted.ResultsIt was found that the mean age of the study population was 56.45±12.36 years. A total of 62.5% of patients were taking medication daily while 15.5% were consuming medications intermittently and only 6.5% patients were not adherent at all. Around 35% patients preferred follow-up visits once in a month. Besides this, 35.5% patients never monitored their blood pressure while more than half of the studied population believed that their BP has mostly been controlled and skipped the prescribed medication.ConclusionThe study indicated that the perception and awareness among the hypertensive patients regarding their medical condition are suboptimal. Concerted strategies like health education program and campaigns must be launched in order to help the sufferers.

Practice and predictors of self-care behaviors among ambulatory patients with hypertension in Ethiopia.

BackgroundDespite the benefits of evidence-based self-care behaviors in the management of hypertension, hypertensive patients have low rate of adherence to the recommended self-care behaviors. Studies related to self-care behaviors among hypertensive patients are limited in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the rate of adherence to self-care behaviors and associated factors among hypertensive patients.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted at the cardiac clinic of Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital among ambulatory hypertensive patients. Self-care behaviors were assessed using an adopted Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H–SCALE). Data were collected through patient interview and review of medical records. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of self-care behaviors.ResultA total of 276 patients were included in the study. The majority of the participants were nonsmokers (89.9%) and alcohol abstainers (68.8%). Less than half of the participants were adherent to the prescribed antihypertensive medications (48.2%) and recommended physical activity level (44.9%). Moreover, only 21.45% and 29% were adherent to weight management and low salt diet recommendations, respectively. Our finding indicated that rural resident (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.97), comorbidity (AOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08–0.31), and negative medication belief (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14–0.46) were significantly associated with medication adherence. Female sex (AOR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.92), old age (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.60) and lack of knowledge on self-care behaviors (AOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.57) were significantly associated with adherence to weight management. Female sex (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.03–3.75) and lack of knowledge on self-care (AOR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03–0.16) were significantly associated with adherence to alcohol abstinence. Female sex (AOR: 6.33, 95% CI: 1.80–22.31) and khat chewing (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03–0.24) were significantly associated with non-smoking behavior. There was also a significant association between female sex and physical activity (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.12–0.40).ConclusionThe rate of adherence to self-care behaviors particularly weight management, low salt intake, physical exercise, and medication intake was low in our study. Elders, females, khat chewers, rural residents, and patients with negative medication belief, comorbidity, and inadequate knowledge of SCBs were less adherent to self-care behaviors compared to their counterparts. Therefore, health care providers should pay more emphasis to patients at risk of having low self-care behaviors.

Treatment adherence and blood pressure outcome among hypertensive out-patients in two tertiary hospitals in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

BackgroundTreatment adherence play important roles in blood pressure control leading to reduction in morbidity and mortality. This study therefore assessed adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies among ambulatory hypertensive patients. Reasons for treatment non-adherence, and association between adherence and blood pressure were also investigated.MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire-guided interview and retrospective review of medical records of 605-patients from two-tertiary healthcare institutions in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria. Nine-item modified Morisky adherence scale was used to assess medication adherence. Overall adherence score to lifestyle modifications was obtained from the total scores from 4-domains of non-pharmacological measures including cigarette smoking and alcohol cessation, salt-restriction and exercise. Patient-specific adherence education was provided at contact to resolve the knowledge gap(s). Clinical-parameters were retrieved at contact and subsequent 2-months appointment. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Student’s t-test were used for analysis at p < 0.05.ResultsFifty-four (8.9%) patients were adherent to medications. Forgetfulness (404; 35.2%) was the most common reason for medication non-adherence. Use of buddy/companion reminder (605, 30.2%) top the list of adherence education. Overall adherence to lifestyle modifications was 36(6.0%). Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) at contact was 149.6 ± 22.5 versus 134.2 ± 15.8 mmHg at 2-months with a 10% reduction. There were significant associations in baseline SBP for patients with or without adherence to medication, cigarette smoking cessation, and exercise (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOverall adherence to antihypertensive medications and lifestyle modifications is suboptimal, underscoring the need for continuous patient-specific adherence education to ensure better therapeutic outcomes.

Diagnostic accuracy of manual office blood pressure measurement in ambulatory hypertensive patients in Korea.

Background/AimsCurrently, office blood pressure (OBP) is the most widely used method of measuring blood pressure (BP) in daily clinical practice. However, data on the diagnostic accuracy of OBP in reference to ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) are scarce in Korea.MethodsIn retrospective and prospective cohorts, manual OBP and ABP measurements were compared among ambulatory hypertensive patients. Hypertension was defined as systolic OBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic OBP ≥ 90 mmHg, and systolic ABP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic ABP ≥ 80 mmHg.ResultsIn the retrospective cohort (n = 903), the mean OBP1 (before ABP measurement) was higher than ABP in both systolic (138 ± 17 mmHg vs. 123 ± 13 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (84 ± 12 mmHg vs. 78 ± 11 mmHg, p < 0.001) measurements. Interestingly, there was only a weak correlation between OBP and ABP (r2 = 0.038, p < 0.001). The overall discordance rate of OBP compared to ABP, which is the reference method for measuring BP, was 43.9%. The prospective cohort (n = 57) showed similar results. In a subgroup analysis, male patients had higher false negative results (masked or under-treated hypertension) than did female patients (26.1% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.003), whereas female patients had a higher false positive rate (white-coat or over-treated hypertension) than did male patients (28.7% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe diagnostic accuracy of manual OBP is low in reference to ABP. Men and women have different patterns of discordance. These findings indicate that management of hypertensive patients with manual OBP measurements may be suboptimal and encourages the use of ABP in ambulatory hypertensive patients.

Drug utilization and blood pressure control in ambulatory hypertensive patients: focus on those with compelling indications.

Compelling indications require the use of specific antihypertensive drug classes and often two or more antihypertensive medications for blood pressure (BP) control. This study assessed drug utilization patterns among hypertensive patients with compelling indications, conformity with recommended guidelines, and the effect on BP control. A prospective, cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients attending three subspecialty hospital clinics. Data on demographics, prescriptions, and BP were collected. BP control was defined as BP less than 140/90 mmHg in nondiabetic subjects and less than 130/80 for those with diabetes. Analysis was done with SPSS version 17. Of the 1,926 patients with hypertension, 877 (45.5%) had compelling indications. Patients were aged 59.3±11.5 years. The most frequently-encountered compelling indications were hypertensive heart disease (35.8%), diabetic mellitus (31.9%), and renal diseases (11.5%). The most prescribed drug was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEIs), which was present in 22.6% of all prescriptions. Only 23.1% of patients had fully controlled BP. Poor BP control significantly correlated with the number of antihypertensive drugs r=0.205, p<0.001, but negatively correlated with age and duration of hypertension, r = -0.071, p = 0.038 and r = -0.448, p = 0.042, respectively. BP control was very poor in this study, and there was a high prevalence of compelling indications. Poor control was negatively correlated with increasing age and duration of hypertension. The most common compelling indications were hypertensive heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal disease.

Full-dose Perindopril/Indapamide in the Treatment of Difficult-to-Control Hypertension: The FORTISSIMO Study.

Blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients remains poor worldwide, particularly in high-risk patients with hypertension and diabetes. Guidelines recommend that such patients receive prompt pharmacological therapy at maximal doses to rapidly control BP. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of single-pill combination (SPC) perindopril/indapamide (PER/IND) at full dose (10/2.5mg) in hypertensive patients, including diabetics, with BP uncontrolled by previous medication. Twelve-week prospective, observational study in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (≥160-200mmHg systolic BP [SBP] and <110mmHg diastolic BP [DBP]) on a previous SPC or free-dose combination of renin-angiotensin system blocker plus thiazide diuretic, substituted with PER/IND 10/2.5mg. Office BP, quality of life, and blood parameters were evaluated in the whole cohort and patients with type 2 diabetesmellitus. 2120 ambulatory hypertensive patients were enrolled, including 307 with type 2 diabetes. Two weeks after substitution, SBP significantly decreased from 171.0±13.3 to 148.6±13.4mmHg, and DBP from 98.6±8.3 to 88.8±7.9mmHg (both p<0.00001). A similar rapid decrease was noted in the diabetes subgroup. After 12weeks, BP had reduced by 42/19mmHg in the whole cohort (diabetes subgroup: 41/18mmHg). Most (84%; diabetes subgroup: 77%) patients reached BP target (<140/90mmHg). Laboratory tests and quality of life improved in the whole cohort and the diabetic subgroup. Switching to PER/IND at full dose (10/2.5mg) was well tolerated, leading to fast BP reduction and control in the majority of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, including difficult-to-treat patients with diabetes.

Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and associated factors in ambulatory hypertensive patients

Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and associated factors in ambulatory hypertensive patients

PP.35.09

Objective: Analysis of arterial hypertension therapy for detection of drug interactions in routine ambulatory practice. Design and method: 402 case records of ambulatory hypertensive patients with comorbidity were analyzed. Evaluation of drug combinations from 27 agents with well-known metabolism each of them were conducted. Results: The mean number medications using by one comorbidity patient are 9,5 (from 5 to 14). The total number of used drugs are 95 (42 international nonproprietary names). Twenty two drug combinations (5,53%) were subsumed to major category. This category means the clinical significant drug interaction, and risk of drug adverse event exceeds them benefits. Most of major drug combinations were: simvastatine + amlodipine (0,73% among total medications, 13,2% among major combinations), simvastatine + itraconazole (0,44% and 8,09%, respectively), spironolactone + perindopril (0,57% and 10,34%, respectively). Besides that, combinations with amiodarone, spironolactone, simvastatin, amlodipine, diltiazem and clopidogrel are major drug combinations in 28,3%, 27,3%, 15%, 13%, 12,5% and 9% cases among total medical combinations. Twenty four drug combinations (5,73%) were subsumed to moderate category. This category means the moderate risk of drug adverse event development. Most of moderate drug combinations were: omeprazole + simvastatin (0,6% among total medications, 11,5% among moderate combinations), enalapril + medazolam (0,47% and 9,1%, respectively), fluvoxamine + losartan (0,44% and 8,5%, respectively). Fourteen percents of drug combinations with enalapril were subsumed to moderate category. Drug combinations with nifedipine, amiodarone and fluvoxamine were detected as moderate in 36%, 15,9% and 47,1% cases of total medical combinations. Conclusions: Drug administration for treatment of comorbidity patients in routine ambulatory practice usually performs without evaluation of possible drug interactions caused by changes of activity cytochrome P450 isozymes. About 11% of drug combinations which prescribes to ambulatory comorbidity patients are potential dangerous. In order to prevention of drug adverse event development in comorbidity patients is strongly effort to avoid combinations of drugs which have major or moderate profile.

The Effect of Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure on Medication Adherence and Lifestyle Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) can contribute to reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension. Potential mediators include increased medication, improved adherence, and changes in lifestyle factors including dietary change and increased physical activity. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of SMBP on medication adherence, medication persistence, and lifestyle factors in people with hypertension. Electronic bibliographic databases were searched through February 2014 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared SMBP to control/usual care in ambulatory hypertensive patients and reported medication or nonpharmacologic treatment adherence measures. Twenty-eight trials with 7,021 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Medication adherence was assessed in 25 trials (89%), dietary outcomes in 8 (29%), physical activity in 6 (21%), and medication persistence in 1 (4%). Blood pressure was assessed in 26 studies (93%). Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months. Pooled results of 13 studies demonstrated a small but significant overall effect on medication adherence in favor of SMBP interventions (standardized mean difference 0.21, 95% CI 0.08, 0.34), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 43%). Standardized mean difference was used to express the size of intervention effect in each study relative to the variability observed, and was used to combine the results of studies where different measures of medication adherence were used. Where SMBP interventions had a significant effect on lifestyle factor change, the effect was unlikely to be clinically significant. Pooled results of 11 studies demonstrate a significant overall effect on diastolic blood pressure in favor of SMBP (weighted mean difference -2.02, 95% CI -2.93, -1.11), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). A test for subgroup differences showed no difference when studies were grouped according to whether medication adherence was significantly improved or not. SMBP may contribute to improvements in medication adherence in hypertensives. However, evidence for the effect of SMBP on lifestyle change and medication persistence is scarce, of poor quality, and suggests little clinically relevant benefit.

Blood Pressure Control Associates and Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy Patterns in Tikur Anbessa General Specialized Hospital Chronic Care Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Hypertension is defined as sustained elevation of resting systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or both. In the United States, about 65 million people have hypertension, among these only 59% are being treated, and only 34% have adequately controlled blood pressure. A population based study in Addis Ababa showed adult prevalence of hypertension is 30%. The level of blood pressure control in Tikur Anbessa General Specialized Hospital was unknown. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with poor blood pressure control among ambulatory hypertensive patients Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Hospital ambulatory hypertensive patients. Patients’ card was reviewed to collect a one year BP measurement and the patients were interviewed during data collection. Sample of 271 patients were taken and convenience sampling method was used Result: Greater than half (59.9%) of the patients have uncontrolled blood pressure. Factors like non-adherence (OR=8.41(3.084-22.927)P<0.001), long duration on treatment (OR=3.19(1.051-9.725)P=0.041),obesity(OR=2.803(1.33-5.911)P=0.007), rural residence (OR=16.8(1.754-160.8)P=0.014), high socioeconomic status (OR=6.632(1.49-29.46)P=0.013), family history of hypertension, self-reported excessive salt addition habit (OR=8.78(3.05-25.28)P<0.001,concomitant diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease (OR=23.85(8.19-69.39)P<0.001 Conclusion: Generally the level of blood pressure control at Tikur Anbessa hospital chronic care unit was found to suboptimal. Several factors like non-adherence, long duration on treatment, obesity, rural residence, high socioeconomic status, family history of hypertension, concomitant diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease were found to be associated with poor blood pressure control.