Related Experiment Videos

Treatment of hypertension in Bahrain

Khalid A Jassim Al Khaja1, Reginald P Sequeira, Awatif H H Damanhori

  • 1Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. khlidj@agu.edu.bh

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|October 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Blood pressure control is inadequate in most hypertensive patients, with only 1 in 6 achieving target levels. Antihypertensive drug choices often overlooked comorbidities and metabolic issues, necessitating a more rational approach to treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypertension management is crucial for preventing cardiovascular disease.
  • Suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control remains a significant global health challenge.
  • Evaluating antihypertensive prescribing patterns is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the adequacy of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients.
  • To evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed antihypertensive drug therapy.
  • To consider laboratory parameters and comorbidities in relation to drug selection.

Main Methods:

  • A therapeutic audit of medical records from 9 primary care centers in Bahrain.
  • Utilized World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension guidelines for evaluation.
  • Included analysis of blood pressure readings, prescribed medications, comorbidities, and laboratory findings.

Main Results:

  • Only 16.5% of patients achieved the target BP of <140/<90 mmHg.
  • Significant proportions of patients had inadequately controlled systolic and/or diastolic BP.
  • Antihypertensive prescribing patterns revealed potential issues, such as beta-blocker use in dyslipidemia and diuretic use in hyperuricemia.

Conclusions:

  • Blood pressure control was achieved in only 1 in 6 treated patients.
  • Prescribing of antihypertensives frequently did not adequately consider patient comorbidities and metabolic status.
  • A more rational and individualized drug therapy approach is required to enhance hypertension management and improve control rates.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers01:26

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers

Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists01:18

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists

Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...