Publication:

Preference and practice of Indian physicians towards the use of vasodilator di-hydralazine in the management of resistant hypertension

Background The treatment modalities of resistant hypertension (RH) remain a clinical challenge, often requiring secondary/add-on drugs with first-line therapy to control blood pressure (BP). This study was conducted to explore and understand the preferences and practices of Indian physicians towards the use of vasodilator (especially di-hydralazine) in the management of RH.

Methods This was a cross-sectional, observational, web-based physician survey. The study included cardiologist, nephrologist and consultant physicians from different geographical regions of India. A web-based physician survey questionnaire (PSQ) was created in google forms and the link was circulated to the physicians. Responses obtained were analysed.

Results A total of 457 physicians participated in this survey. In majority of the physicians, vasodilators were the treatment choice as secondary or add-on drugs with first line therapy to control BP in RH; especially hydralazine/di-hydralazine preferred the most. Majority of the physicians preferred to combine vasodilator with beta blocker and diuretic in patients with uncontrolled and RH. Cardiac failure, followed by chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertensive emergency and angina were the common patient profile in RH in which majority physicians prescribed vasodilator (di-hydralazine). Majority of the physicians rated vasodilator di-hydralazine as “good-very good” in terms of efficacy, safety, tolerability, patient compliance and patient satisfaction in RH.

Conclusions Overall, vasodilators (hydrazinophthalazine derivatives) are preferred as add-on drugs along with first-line drugs in RH. Physician’s opinion towards the use of di-hydralazine was positive. Di-hydralazine may be preferred as an add-on therapeutic option to control BP in RH, however randomized clinical trials are needed for recommendation in cardio-renal medicine.