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Arterial hypertension (AH) is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for both, men and women. Aim of the trial: To evaluate the share of single-pill combinations (SPC) according to the gender of doctors and their patients. To evaluate the efficacy of the AH treatment with HBPM and education. Patients and Methods: This project was conducted from April to June 2022 at 178 general physician practices. We have enrolled consecutive adult patients willing to complete a questionnaire and take office BP and HBPM measurements. Results: 4375 pts with AH were enrolled (2089 women, 51,8%), mean age 61,1 ± 19,1 years. The mean office BP was higher in male (136,7 ± 10,9/ 81,9 ± 7,2 mmHg), vs female patients (135±7,2/ 80,2 ± 6,2 mmHg). Mean blood pressure at home (HBP) was also higher in males (134,1± 7,2/ 81,1± 6,3 mmHg). There were 72% (129) of female doctors, participating in the trial. The widest use of SPC was when male doctors treated male patients (70,7%). The lowest use of SPC was when female doctors treated female patients (52,1%). 44,6% of patients were treated with double SPC and 14,3% with triple. Dual SPC was the most preferred treatment when male patients were treated by male doctors (52,3%). Triple SPC strategy was used mostly when female doctors were giving care to male patients (16,8%). More patients reached optimal BP at home when treated by a male doctor (68%). Conclusion: Appropriate education of patients and their engagement via HBPM, led to 67% BP control. The preference for SPC by male doctors led to significantly better BP control at home, regardless of the gender of patients. By systematic rationalization of pharmacotherapy according to the 2023 ESH Guidelines, using SPC has the potential to improve adherence and increase the BP control rate in Slovakia to fulfill the initiative Charter 70/2023.
Vachulová et al. (Sun,) studied this question.