Evaluation of rational antihypertensive drug use and treatment outcomes in hospitalized hypertensive patients

Thi-Ngoc-Giau Truong, Thi-Hiep Vu*

University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Refer this article

Thi-Ngoc-Giau Truong, Thi-Hiep Vu, 2025. Evaluation of rational antihypertensive drug use and treatment outcomes in hospitalized hypertensive patients. Journal of medical pharmaceutical and allied sciences, V 15 - I 1, Pages - 01 – 06. Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jmpas.V15I1.7003.

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide and remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of evidence-based clinical guidelines and a wide range of antihypertensive medications, blood pressure control is still suboptimal in many patients, particularly in hospital settings. This study aimed to evaluate the rational use of antihypertensive drugs and treatment outcomes in hospitalized patients with hypertension, as well as to identify factors associated with achieving target blood pressure according to current clinical guidelines. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on hospitalized hypertensive patients at a tertiary general hospital in Vietnam. Data were retrospectively collected from medical records, including demographic characteristics, clinical conditions, antihypertensive prescribing patterns, and blood pressure measurements at admission and discharge. The rationality of drug use was assessed based on appropriateness of indication, contraindication, dosage, dosing frequency, drug combinations, and potential drug–drug interactions. Treatment outcome was defined as achieving target blood pressure at discharge. The results showed that combination therapy was more frequently prescribed than monotherapy, with calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers being the most commonly used drug classes. Most antihypertensive prescriptions met rational use criteria, and a high proportion of patients achieved target blood pressure at discharge. However, higher hypertension grade, obesity, presence of comorbidities, and irrational drug use were significantly associated with failure to achieve treatment goals. In conclusion, rational use of antihypertensive medications was generally well implemented and associated with favourable treatment outcomes; however, individualized treatment strategies and continuous monitoring of prescribing practices are necessary to further improve blood pressure control.

Keywords:

Hypertension, Antihypertensive drugs, Rational drug use, Treatment outcome, Blood pressure control.

Full Text Article