Combination antihypertensive drug use amongst private medical practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Clinical hypertension guidelines support the use of combination therapy in patients with severe hypertension or patients not responding to current monotherapy. Most patients with hypertension at least two antihypertensive agents to reach BP target, so a combination antihypertensive medication can increase the likelihood of meeting blood pressure treatment goals

Objective: The study is to evaluate the use of combination antihypertensive therapy by private medical practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: A prospective observational design was used. The participating hospitals were randomly selected from a list of hospitals and local government Areas in Lagos State using a multistage something technique. A pretested self administered questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results: Results from this study show high utilization of private health facilities. Ten percent of the hospitals see over 500 patients in a month . Eight (twenty percent) of the hospitals see over 50 hypertensive patients monthly. There is a good prescription of RAAS combination therapy with a good number of hospitals having patients who reach blood pressure goals. Comorbidities include diabetes, renal disease, cerebrovascular disease and some hospitals see elderly hypertensives.

Conclusion: In conclusion, current guidelines strongly support the use of combination therapy as first-line treatment in hypertensive patients. The result of this present study shows. good knowledge and use of hypertension guideline recommendations by private medical practitioner in Lagos,

Keywords: Combination antihypertensive treatment, Blood pressure goal, private hospital, guidelines, hypertension, Lagos, Nigeria