Blood pressure control among patients with chronic kidney disease in Saudi Arabia: a single-center experience

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health challenge that contribute to substantial patients’ morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is highly prevalent among CKD patients, resulting in higher risks of cardiovascular events and CKD progression. We aim to explore the state of blood pressure (BP) control among pre-dialysis CKD patients, and to explore the factors contributing to its poor control in this group of patients. Material and methods: This is an observational retrospective study examining the prevalence of hypertension and factors associated with BP control in patients with pre-dialysis CKD at a large tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using SAS Version 9.2 by SAS Institute Inc., Cary NC, United States. Results: A total of 339 patients with pre-dialysis CKD were included in this study. The mean age of the study population was 53.5 ± 16.6, and 55% were male. The prevalence of hypertension was as high as 89%, with 216 (64%) patients being identified as having uncontrolled BP. Age groups 18–39 years, or more than 60 years were significantly associated with poor BP control (p < 0.001). Additionally, diabetes (p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.003), and advance CKD stage were significantly associated with poor BP control. Conclusion: BP control is suboptimal among pre-dialysis CKD patients in Saudi Arabia, putting this population at higher risk of CKD progression and cardiovascular events. Large scale efforts and interventions in Saudi Arabia are needed to tackle this problem through multidisciplinary approaches in order to improve the outcomes of CKD patients with hypertension.