Assessment of the Drug management of Hypertension in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria

Introduction: The role of hypertension in many cardiovascular disease outcomes is very important, hence, the assessment of hypertension treatment patterns becomes really essential Objectives: This study set to determine the prevalence and assessed the treatment pattern of Hypertension in a Teaching Hospital in North Central, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective survey was employed. A total of 186 patient's Case notes were reviewed in Jos University Teaching Hospital from January to December, 2011. The data obtained was analysed using a student paired t-test in SPSS version 20. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Majority of the patients were females (59%). The age group 40-49 years accounted for the highest ratio of the patients (27%). The prevalence of in-patient hypertension in JUTH within the study period was 2.29%. The common class of antihypertensive used were Diuretics (D) (38.9%), Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) (20.20%), Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) (14.9%). One-quarter (25.7%) received monotherapy while the remainder received more than two drugs combination. Frequently prescribed antihypertensive combinations were ACEI+D (24.3%); ACEI+CCB+D (17.9%) while another 14.3% received CCB+D There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.01) between the blood pressure prior to initiation of antihypertensive therapy and after initiation of therapy. Conclusion: The pattern of antihypertensive use in JUTH is in agreement with prescribed guidelines. Although a statistically significant difference existed between blood pressure before and after pharmacological interventions, the blood pressure controlled was not clinically significant.