Combined antihypertensive treatment is better than mono-therapy in hypertensive patients

Kurtkulagi Ö., Aktas G., Bilgin S., Meryem Atak B., Taslamacioglu Duman T., Emin Demirkol M.

Netherlands Journal of Medicine, vol.78, no.5, pp.239-243, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 78 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Journal Name: Netherlands Journal of Medicine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.239-243
  • Keywords: Blood pressure, Diet, Exercise, Hypertension, Smoking, Treatment
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HT) is a chronic condition associated with serious complications. In the present cross-sectional study, we aimed to analyse factors that contribute to blood pressure control in subjects with HT. Methods: Subjects with HT admitted to outpatient internal medicine clinics of the institution were enrolled in the study. According to the Joint National Committee (JNC) VIII criteria, subjects with a mean blood pressure above target levels were defined as poorly-controlled hypertensive patients and others were grouped as well-controlled hypertensive patients. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between study groups. Results: Smokers were more prevalent in the poorly-controlled HT group compared to the well-controlled HT group (p = 0.001). The number of patients who adhered to dietary and exercise recommendations were greater in well-controlled HT group than poorly-controlled HT group (p < 0.001 for both). The rate of combined therapy was greater in well-controlled HT group compared to poorly-controlled HT group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: We suggest that, in addition to dietary and exercise recommendations and smoking cessation, treatment with combination therapy could be better in reaching blood pressure targets in patients with HT.