Targeted modification of antihypertensive therapy in Ukrainian women refugees significantly improved the percentage of patients achieving blood pressure <140/90 mmHg from 16.9% to 47.5% (p<0.0001).
Observational (n=548)
Does targeted modification of antihypertensive therapy improve blood pressure control in Ukrainian women refugees with hypertension?
Targeted modification of antihypertensive therapy significantly improves poor blood pressure control among Ukrainian women refugees.
Absolute Event Rate: 47.5% vs 16.9%
p-value: p=<0.0001
Objective: Forced displacement and war-related stress may adversely affect the management of chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and the level of blood pressure (BP) control in Ukrainian women refugee living in Poland. Design and method: Stage 1 of the study included 548 Ukrainian women who underwent office BP measurements and assessment of psychological stress using validated questionnaires. Hypertension was diagnosed based on office BP values or current antihypertensive treatment. In a subgroup of 201 women, mainly those with a confirmed stress, a detailed cardiovascular phenotyping and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed after patient agreement. Results: Among the 548 women, prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, comparable to pre-war estimates in Ukrainian women (35% in STEP 2019 and 37.7% in MMM 2021) and similar to figures reported during the war (41% in interim results of the MISSION 50/28 study initiated in 2023). Although 48.0% of hypertensive refugees reported to have a well-controlled BP before leaving Ukraine, data revealed that only 11.2% had BP at target (<140/90 mmHg) while receiving antihypertensive treatment (p<0.0001). All women with uncontrolled BP received recommendations to adapt their antihypertensive therapy and to support adherence. Among the 201 women included in subsequent follow-up, 73 (36.3%) were hypertensive based on office BP or reported antihypertensive use. Hypertension was confirmed by ABPM in 63 of them (86.3%). Among the 63 hypertensive participants, 89% were receiving antihypertensive treatment at baseline and 92% at follow-up. Their office BP control improved significantly during the 4.7 months follow-up. Thus, the percentage of patients achieving an office BP <140/90 mmHg increased from 16.9% to 47.5% (based on office and ABPM BP values), n=58, p<0.0001. Conclusions: While the prevalence of hypertension among Ukrainian women refugees living in Poland did not differ from pre-war estimates, BP control was markedly poorer. Targeted modification of antihypertensive therapy was associated with a substantial improvement in BP control over short-term follow-up. These findings highlight the need for systematic cardiovascular assessment and proactive treatment optimization in refugee populations as preemptive medical care activity in the comprehensive treatment planning.
Shalimova et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Hypertension (n=548). Targeted modification of antihypertensive therapy vs. Baseline was evaluated on Achievement of office blood pressure <140/90 mmHg (p=<0.0001). Targeted modification of antihypertensive therapy in Ukrainian women refugees significantly improved the percentage of patients achieving blood pressure <140/90 mmHg from 16.9% to 47.5% (p<0.0001).