Antihypertensive Drugs’ Prescribing Pattern in Hypertensive Patients and Adherence with JNC Guidelines

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs among hypertensive patients across different cities and age groups in Pakistan. Hypertension is considered to be a major public health issue, requiring effective management to prevent severe complications like cardiovascular disease and stroke (16). The study attempts to reveals that healthcare providers in Pakistan generally adhere to the established guidelines, such as the JNC 8 recommendations (12), with a particular preference for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as the initial choice of treatment. This adherence aligns well with the guidelines, which recommend CCBs for certain populations, specifically those at high cardiovascular disease risk. However, the study also uncovers a significant underutilization of thiazide diuretics, despite their strong recommendation as a first-line therapy for hypertension. Thiazide diuretics are well-known for their efficacy, affordability, and endorsement by major guidelines; still they are not being prescribed as frequently as expected. This divergence suggests that there may be some underlying factors influencing prescriber decisions, such as local clinical practices, patient preferences, or concerns about side effects. The findings reveal the need for further investigation into these factors to better understand the reasons behind this underutilization. The research emphasizes the importance of developing personalized treatment plans that not only adhere to the latest evidence-based guidelines but also consider individual patient characteristics and local practices. By addressing these discrepancies in prescribing patterns, healthcare providers can optimize hypertension management, leading to better patient outcomes.