Frequent Change of Intra-group Drug Effect on the Blood Pressure Control and Adaptation of Therapy in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we investigated the effects of frequent and unnecessary change in medication to control of blood pressure. Also we investigated the role of the regular use of drugs in the treatment of hypertension. Patients and Methods: Nine hundred hypertensive patients (509 males and 391 females; mean age 62.4 ± 12.1 years) were evaluated retrospectively. Only the patients taking anti-hypertensives for at least six months were included. Patients' records were examined in terms of anti-hypertensive treatment. Intra-group exchange and use of regularly in anti-hypertensive drugs were investigated. Effects of the change in blood pressure and patient compliance were investigated. Results: When intra-group drug change was examined, rates of drug changes were as follows; angiotensin receptor blocker group, 62.3%; angiotensin converting enzyme group, 55.1%; betablockers group, 39.9%; calcium channel blocker group, 20.9%. While the ratio of non-compliance was 28.7% in the patient group with drug change, it was only 9.3% in the group without change in treatment. Average blood pressure difference was found 6.1 ± 7.6 mmHg and 7.6 ± 7.5 mmHg respectively (p < 0.001). The average number of drug usage with and without change of antihypertensive drug were 2.5 ± 0.87 and 2.2 ± 0.89 (p < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion: In patients under angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blocker treatments, intra-group change of medication is common. Frequent intra-group change of anti-hypertensive drugs has negative effects on blood pressure control.