Key result
Diuretics were the most commonly chosen initial drug for uncomplicated moderate hypertension, selected as first choice for 45, 60, and 75-year-old patients in 41%, 55%, and 68% of cases, respectively.
Cross-Sectional (n=132)
General practitioners in South Australia frequently chose diuretics as first-line therapy for uncomplicated moderate hypertension, though wide variations in prescribing habits existed with substantial cost implications.
Highlights GP prescribing variation with major cost differences; leaves open whether targeted education materials can standardize hypertension management.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate prescribing habits, educational approaches and perceived needs of general practitioners in the drug treatment of hypertension. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Of 156 randomly selected South Australian general practitioners 132 responded to a questionnaire survey. MAIN FINDINGS: Diuretics are the most commonly chosen drug for the initial management of uncomplicated moderate hypertension. Equivalent patients aged 45, 60 and 75 years would be prescribed a diuretic as drug of first choice in 41%, 55% and 68% of cases respectively. Despite this, there are wide differences in the choice of initial therapy between individual practitioners. These differences can have a substantial cost impact, given that in Australia the cost of diuretic therapy for one month can be as low as $1.97 compared with $34.08 for standard angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor therapy for one month. There was also a perceived need, and demand, for patient education materials to assist practitioners in the drug treatment of hypertension.
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Steven et al. (1992) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=132). Prescribing habits for hypertension was evaluated on Prescribing habits, educational approaches and perceived needs in the drug treatment of hypertension. Diuretics were the most commonly chosen initial drug for uncomplicated moderate hypertension, selected as first choice for 45, 60, and 75-year-old patients in 41%, 55%, and 68% of cases, respectively.
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