Only 33.4% of hypertensive patients achieved adequate blood pressure control, though calcium channel blocker use was associated with significantly better control (OR 2.1).
Cross-Sectional (n=452)
No
Only one-third of hypertensive patients in a central Kenyan referral hospital achieved adequate blood pressure control, with older age, diabetes, and multidrug regimens predicting poorer control.
Odds Ratio: 2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.3)
Absolute Event Rate: 49.4% vs 39.8%
p-value: p=0.001
INTRODUCTION: Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Data on adequacy of blood pressure control in Kenya is scarce. This study aimed at assessing the level of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients on follow-up in a regional referral hospital. METHODS: Data regarding blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use, and comorbidities was abstracted from medical records of 452 hypertensive patients seen in Nyeri Provincial General Hospital between January and March 2013. Adequate blood pressure control was defined as a systolic pressure<140 mmHg (<130 mmHg for diabetic hypertensive patients) and a diastolic pressure<90 mmHg (<80 mmHg for diabetic hypertensive patients). Data was entered and analyzed using STATA 9 (StataCorp, Inc, Texas, USA). RESULTS: Only 33.4% of patients had a blood pressure within the recommended limits. In multivariate analysis, using a calcium channel blocker was significantly associated with good blood pressure control (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4, 3.3). On the other hand, old age (≥60 years), being diabetic, and the use of three or more antihypertensive drugs were associated with reduced odds of good blood pressure control (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43; OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36, 0.81; and OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.64, respectively). CONCLUSION: Poorly controlled blood pressure is an important public health concern among hypertensive patients in this region. Elderly patients, those with diabetes, and those on multidrug regimens are at higher risk for poor blood pressure control and warrant closer attention.
Mutua et al. (2014) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=452). Calcium channel blocker use vs. Non-use of calcium channel blockers was evaluated on Adequate blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg, or <130/80 mmHg for diabetics) (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.3, p=0.001). Only 33.4% of hypertensive patients achieved adequate blood pressure control, though calcium channel blocker use was associated with significantly better control (OR 2.1).