Blood pressure control in older cancer patients with hypertension: a multicentre study in Vietnam

Background. High blood pressure (BP) is a common comorbidity in older patients with cancer. However, real world evidence regarding BP control among older patients with cancer remains scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of suboptimal control of BP among older patients with cancer in Vietnam and its key predictors. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of cancer patients aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of hypertension in Vietnam from 2023 to 2024. Suboptimal BP control was defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg. To examine factors associated with suboptimal BP control, multivariable logistic regression models were employed, and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Among 253 cancer patients with hypertension (mean age 73±6.0 years; 49.4% women), 28.1% had suboptimal BP control. On multivariable analysis, anorexia (aOR 1.93, 95%CI 1.05–3.54), dyslipidemia (aOR 1.87, 95%CI 1.04–3.36), and polypharmacy (aOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.01–3.28) were associated with higher odds of suboptimal BP control. In contrast, regular exercise (aOR 0.54, 95%CI 0.29–0.98) and severe comorbidity, a Charlson Comorbidity Index≥5 (aOR 0.47, 95%CI 0.25–0.86), were associated with lower odds of suboptimal BP control. Conclusion. In this study, over a quarter of cancer patients had suboptimal BP control, and those with conditions such as anorexia, dyslipidemia, and polypharmacy exhibited a markedly higher burden. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the contributing factors to optimize BP control and improve outcomes in older patients with cancer.