Antihypertensive regimen and blood pressure control in patients with hypertension in a tertiary hospital in Zaria-Nigeria

Abstract

Hypertension is a major public health problem worldwide. In Nigeria, records have shown an increasing prevalence with suboptimal evaluation of blood pressure (BP) control. Generally, antihypertensives have recorded significant successes in BP control over the years. This study was aimed at investigating antihypertensive regimens and BP control in patients with hypertension. The study was a retrospective study on randomly selected hypertensive patients receiving treatments in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria. Patients' demographics, co-morbidities, BP readings and antihypertensives were collected from the patients' case files using a semi-structured Performa between July, 2013 and June, 2015. Data obtained were presented in charts and figures as percentages. A total of 94 patients were captured in the study. The patients were mostly females (71.3%) and between the ages of 41-60 years (64.0%). Combination therapy with mostly diuretics (bendroflumethiazide and hydrochlorothiazide) were recorded (91.0%). Overall BP control was low (35.1%). In conclusion, the study revealed maximal utilization of antihypertensive combination therapy with a poor overall BP control. A non-pharmacological approach alongside rational use of the antihypertensive regimen is encouraged.