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End-Organ Damage in Hypertension: An Insight on a Differentiated Outpatient Consultation
Rui Flores1, Joana Lopes2, Sofia Caridade2
1Cardiology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, PRT.
Insights
A study found that nearly a quarter of hypertensive patients had end-organ damage, most commonly kidney disease. This highlights the ongoing need to manage arterial hypertension effectively to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Arterial hypertension is a major global health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the prevalence of end-organ damage is crucial for effective hypertension management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of end-organ damage in patients with hypertension attending outpatient consultations.
- To identify common causes of secondary arterial hypertension and the types of end-organ damage observed.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 73 patients was recruited from a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic.
- Data collected included demographics, blood pressure, hypertension etiology, medication, and evidence of target organ damage.
- The study period was from July 2022 to March 2023.
Main Results:
- Nearly a quarter (23.2%) of hypertensive patients had end-organ damage, with kidney disease being the most prevalent (13.7%).
- Secondary arterial hypertension was present in 19.2% of patients, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common cause.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists were the most frequently prescribed medications.
Conclusions:
- Arterial hypertension remains a critical factor in disease and death, underscoring the importance of recognizing its long-term effects.
- Continued vigilance and proactive management are necessary to mitigate the impact of hypertension-related end-organ damage.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of end-organ damage in hypertensive patients attending an outpatient consultation.
Materials And Methods:
Patients were selected from an outpatient consultation at a tertiary hospital care center. All patients who consulted between July 2022 and March 2023 were included. Data on demographic characteristics, blood pressure records, hypertension etiology, medication use, and the presence of target organ damage were collected.
Results:
A total of 73 patients were included in the study, with 34 patients being male (46.6%) and 39 patients being female (53.4%). The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years. Among the cases of hypertension, 14 (19.2%) were classified as secondary arterial hypertension (AH). The most common cause of secondary AH was obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (42.9%). Approximately 23.2% of patients had documented end-organ damage potentially related to hypertension, with kidney disease being the most frequent (n = 10, 13.7%). The most commonly prescribed pharmacological classes were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (n = 46, 63%).
Conclusion:
Despite numerous studies and trials on arterial hypertension, it remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, necessitating the continued awareness of its long-term implications.
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