Descriptive analysis of blood pressure control among treated hypertensive patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Blood pressure (BP) is poorly controlled in sub-Saharan Africa and this is due to poor utilization of antihypertensive drugs among other factors. Evaluation BP control will provide basis for recommendation for appropriate therapeutic measures for achieving target BP. Aim: To determine the pattern of BP control as a measure of impact of antihypertensive usage among treated hypertensive patients in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: This is a descriptive-analytical study of 605 treated adult hypertensive patients who have been attending our specialist clinics for at least one year. Definition of blood pressure control was according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results: The results showed that the mean age was 58.48± 11.65 with 211(34.9%) males (M:F=1:1.87). Median duration of follow up was 4(1-27) years. 152(25%) were diabetic, 381(63%) were taking antiplatelet aspirin and 213(35.2%) had cardiovascular events. There was a significant difference between the first visit BP (initial BP) and last BP observed during the study (SBP[initial)) =154±28mmHg, SBP(last)=133±21mmHg (p <0.001); DBP[initial]=95±17mmHg, DBP[last]=80±12mmHg (p<0.0 (1)). The pattern of BP control was: SBP+DBP controlled 322(53.3%); SBP+DBP uncontrolled 149(24.6%); S BP controlled/DBP uncontrolled 39(6.4%); D BP controlled/SBP uncontrolled 95(15.7%). The control rate among the diabetic subgroup was 23.7%. Conclusion: BP control rate among treated hypertensive patients in our institution is significantly higher than reports from similar patient populations in similar healthcare centres in Nigeria and sub Saharan Africa which reflects an improved and appropriate usage of antihypertensive drugs recently observed in our institution. The rate of control among diabetics is still very poor