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Published on: October 15, 2010
The status of hypertension management in Japan in 2000
Yasutaka Yamamoto1, Kazuhiko Sonoyama, Koichi Matsubara
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tottori University Hospital, Yonago, Japan. yasutaka@grape.med.tottori-u.ac.jp
Insights
Japanese cardiologists often fail to individualize hypertension management. Most patients did not meet blood pressure targets, and drug choices did not account for age or comorbidities, highlighting a need for personalized treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Management
- Pharmacotherapy
Background:
- Current hypertension guidelines in Japan (JSH-2000) aim for optimal blood pressure control.
- Effective management of hypertension is crucial for preventing cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current status of hypertension management by cardiologists in Japan.
- To evaluate if patient age and comorbidities influence treatment decisions.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 907 treated hypertensive patients followed by cardiologists.
- Analysis of achieved blood pressure levels and prescribed antihypertensive medications.
- Comparison of treatment outcomes across different age groups and comorbid conditions.
Main Results:
- Only 41.5% of patients achieved target blood pressure levels.
- Systolic blood pressure control showed no significant differences across age groups or comorbidities.
- Diastolic blood pressure decreased with age, increasing pulse pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were the most frequently prescribed (73.0%) and used across all patient profiles.
- Age and comorbidity did not appear to influence the selection of antihypertensive medications.
Conclusions:
- Japanese cardiologists may not adequately individualize hypertension management based on patient age and comorbidities.
- Current treatment strategies do not consistently align with evidence-based recommendations for personalized care.
- Individualized approaches to blood pressure targets and medication selection are essential for effective hypertension control.
Abstract:
To evaluate the current status of the management of hypertensive patients in Japan, we investigated 907 treated hypertensive patients (486 females and 421 males; mean age, 66.7 years) followed by cardiologists. According to the guidelines for the management of hypertensive patients in Japan in 2000 (JSH-2000), only 41.5% of the subjects achieved the target blood pressure, with a mean systolic blood pressure of 140.0+/-14.9 mmHg and a mean diastolic blood pressure of 80.0+/-10.7 mmHg. There were no differences between patients with and without concurrent disease or among age groups (<60, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 years and over) in systolic blood pressure levels achieved. However, the diastolic blood pressure decreased with age, indicating an increase of the pulse pressure. Overall, the prescription rates were: calcium channel blockers (CCBs), 73.0%; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors), 31.3%; angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), 18.9%; beta-blockers, 16.2%; and diuretics, 10.1%. Although some selection of antihypertensive drugs was based on evidence from previous trials on hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure and renal insufficiency, overall, CCBs were selected in all age groups and in all comorbid conditions. In conclusion, Japanese cardiologists do not appear to consider age and comorbidity when choosing antihypertensive managements. Based on current evidence, the management of hypertension should be individualized, with the blood pressure target level and antihypertensive medications chosen on the basis of age and comorbidity.
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Hypertension I: Introduction
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Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
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