Fixed-dose combination antihypertensive utilization in Slovakia increased from 63.9% in 2019 to 71.5% in 2024, with lower odds of use in older patients and those with cardiovascular comorbidities.
Observational (n=1,770,000)
Yes
Fixed-dose combination antihypertensive use in Slovakia increased to 71.5% by 2024, though older patients and those with cardiovascular comorbidities remain less likely to receive them.
Objective: Use of fixed-dose combinations (FDC) has been shown to improve adherence, persistence and blood pressure control. The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in their utilization in Slovakia between 2019 and 2024 and factors associated with FDC use. Design and method: We conducted a retrospective analysis using administrative database of a health insurance company in Slovakia (1.77 mil. insurees in 2024). Each prescription of multiple antihypertensive medication classes by general practitioner (GP), cardiologist and internist was assessed for potential use of FDC. The share of prescriptions using FDC was evaluated nationwide and by specialty. Factors possibly associated with FDC usage (patients’ sex, age, comorbidities, physician's sex, age, specialty and region) were analysed in logistic regression model. Results: Overall, FDC were utilized in 67.4% of the 6,131,533 prescriptions analysed. Between years 2019 and 2024 the use of FDC increased from 63.9% to 71.5%. In 2024, FDC use was highest among GPs (72.3%), followed by internists (71.5%) and cardiologists (63.4%). GPs showed the greatest increase over the study period (+8.8 percentage points), followed by internists (+2.5) and cardiologists (+0.6). Compared to patients under 40 years, older patients had lower odds of using fixed-dose combinations (FDC). Specifically, the odds ratios were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.82–0.84) for patients aged 60–69 years, 0.72 (95% CI: 0.71–0.73) for those aged 70–79 years, and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.61–0.62) for patients aged 80 years and older. Odds of FDC being used was 40% lower in patients with atrial fibrillation, 39% lower in patients with ischemic heart disease and 37% lower in heart failure patients. Compared to GPs, internists had 15% higher odds of using FDC. Conclusions: FDC utilization in Slovakia increased steadily between 2019 and 2024, particularly among GPs. Despite overall high adoption, older patients and those with cardiovascular comorbidities were less likely to receive FDC, suggesting potential gaps in optimizing therapy for high-risk populations. Targeted interventions aimed at both patients and physicians may further promote FDC use and improve blood pressure control.
Selvek et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Hypertension (n=1,770,000). Fixed-dose combination (FDC) antihypertensives vs. Non-FDC antihypertensive combinations was evaluated on Overall utilization of fixed-dose combinations (FDC) among analyzed prescriptions. Fixed-dose combination antihypertensive utilization in Slovakia increased from 63.9% in 2019 to 71.5% in 2024, with lower odds of use in older patients and those with cardiovascular comorbidities.
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