Publication:

A prospective observational study to monitor the prescription pattern of anti-hypertensive drugs in a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir, India

Background Hypertension remains a formidable public health challenge in India, with a staggering prevalence of 29.8% in the adult population. The situation in Kashmir is particularly concerning, with hypertension prevalence reported to be as high as 45.2% in some studies.

Methods This comprehensive study meticulously analyzed the prescription patterns of antihypertensive drugs in the general medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir, India. A rigorous prospective observational study was conducted over six months, involving 150 hypertensive patients.

Results The study revealed that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), particularly telmisartan and losartan, were the most frequently prescribed class of antihypertensive drugs (40.7%), followed closely by calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as amlodipine and cilnidipine (28.7%). ACE Inhibitors like ramipril and enalapril (14.7%), beta blockers including metoprolol and atenolol (10.0%), and diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone (6.0%) were also prescribed. Monotherapy was the preferred approach in 65.3% of cases, while 34.7% received combination therapy. The study found significant associations between comorbidities and specific drug choices, with ARBs being more commonly prescribed in diabetic patients (p=0.003) and CCBs alone and with combination of ACE inhibitors and ARB’s in patients with coronary artery disease (p=0.041).

Conclusions This research provided invaluable insights into current prescribing trends and adherence to hypertension treatment guidelines in the region, offering a foundation for future healthcare policy and practice improvements. The findings underscore the need for personalized treatment approaches and continuous medical education to ensure optimal hypertension management in this high-prevalence region.