The potential of fosinopril to improve the control of hypertension and its tolerability in out-patient practice

Overview

Despite the evident benefits of antihypertensive treatment, the overall control of hypertension in the general population is far from optimal. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of fosinopril, as a supplement to established therapy (either pharmacological or non-pharmacological) to improve the control of hypertension [defined as blood pressure (BP) <140/90 or 130/80 mm Hg in diabetics] in patients managed by general practitioners or specialists, and moreover, to compare the final hypertension control in particular subgroups of hypertensive patients.

Altogether 3 970 patients with hypertension were followed in a non-interventional, prospective, multicentric study with fosinopril for a minimum of 6 months; the examining physician decided upon inclusion in the study, initial fosinopril dose and its adjustment; blood pressure readings were taken at the study entry, after at least 6-months follow-up and at a control visit in between (when fosinopril dosage could be adjusted).

Blood pressure significantly decreased from 157.4/95.9 to 134.4/81.1 mm Hg, while overall control of hypertension improved from 1.6% to 44.9 %. Patients with BMI>30 kg/m² or those older than 65 years reached a target BP value approx. 20 % less often than those with BMI< 25 kg/m² or younger than 50 years. Similarly, compared to uncomplicated hypertension, the rate of patients reaching the target BP value was significantly lower in patients with vascular disease (by 25.7 %), renal impairment (by 31.1 %) and particularly in those with diabetes (by 53.1 %).

Key words:
hypertension, control, fosinopril, out-patient practice.