The current status of hypertensive patients and medicine use at the Geriatric - Cardiology Department - Tue Tinh Hospital in 2023

Hypertension represents a critical global health concern, being a primary contributor to premature mortality and affecting a substantial portion of the adult population, many of whom remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated. In Vietnam, national surveys reveal an escalating prevalence of hypertension and persistently low rates of effective blood pressure control, linked to lifestyle factors and an aging demographic. This underscores the urgent need for robust intervention strategies. This study aims to evaluate the current status of hypertensive patients and their medication use at the Geriatric - Cardiology Department, Tue Tinh Hospital, in 2023, providing crucial insights for optimizing patient care and ensuring safe and effective medication use.

Nghiên cứu viên y khoa, bác sĩ tim mạch, chuyên gia lão khoa, dược sĩ, các nhà quản lý y tế và chính sách công quan tâm đến quản lý tăng huyết áp ở người cao tuổi.

This study conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 389 medical records at the Geriatric - Cardiology Department of Tue Tinh Hospital from January to December 2023, aiming to assess the current status of hypertensive patients and their medication use. The patient cohort exhibited a mean age of 77.8 ± 6.5 years, with the majority falling within the 70-79 age group, reflecting the impact of an aging population on hypertension prevalence. Female patients constituted a higher proportion (62%) than males (38%), and 78% of patients presented with age-related risk factors, consistent with established guidelines. The research identified five primary classes of antihypertensive drugs employed: ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics, all aligning with national treatment recommendations. Monotherapy was more frequently prescribed than combination therapy, both initially (59.1%) and finally (52.7%), possibly attributable to a high incidence of grade 1 hypertension within the sample. Calcium channel blockers were among the most prescribed monotherapy agents. Although diuretics were not used as monotherapy, beta-blockers were often part of multi-drug regimens, particularly in triple combinations, often due to co-morbidities like arrhythmias. Notably, the study achieved a high rate of target blood pressure control at 88%, significantly surpassing findings from comparable studies, attributed to comprehensive patient care and improved adherence in the outpatient setting. These findings offer valuable insights into real-world treatment patterns and the effectiveness of medication use strategies for hypertension management in a geriatric population.