Reasons for not intensifying antihypertensive treatment to diabetes in some regions of China
Guo, Q.-H.; Pan, C.-Y.; Qi, W.-H.; Lin, S.-Y.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 88(4): 240-244
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-2491 PMID: 18361834 Document Number: 616566
To prospectively evaluate the current situation of blood pressure control in the type 2 diabetics in some regions of China. Totally 5063 consecutive patients with hypertension were investigated. Among them 1993 with diabetes underwent baseline survey. Individualized target blood pressures were set by physicians. Four follow-up visits, in weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 were performed to monitor the achievements of these targets and the reasons for not modifying antihypertensive treatments were analyzed when the blood pressure goals were not reached. The prevalence of diabetes among the hypertensive patients was 39.2%. The target blood pressure values defined by the physicians at baseline survey varied with the grade and degree of hypertension. 31.4% of the patients reached the target blood pressure goals (BP < 130/80 mm Hg) at week 12. The reasons for not intensifying antihypertensive treatment when the blood pressure targets were not achieved were manifold. The main reasons were as follows: the physicians considered that the BP value was close to the target, longer treatment and waiting for full drug effect were needed, etc. On average, 2 different antihypertensive agents were used to achieve BP target and some patients used 4-5 different drugs. The most frequent agents used were angiotensin II receptor antagonist and calcium channel blockers. The use of thiazide-type diuretics increased from the first visit to the last visit (weeks 12). The co-prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in China is high and the target blood pressure set by physician is almost 130/80 mm Hg as defined in guidelines. Only about 31.4% of patients have reached their goals 12 weeks after treatment. There are many subjective and objective reasons responsible for not intensifying antihypertensive treatment when the blood pressure targets are not achieved. Hypertension in diabetes is poorly controlled compared with that in the whole population.