EFFICACY OF IRBESARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE COMBINATION REGIMEN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION IN GULF COUNTRIES.

Hypertension, a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is highly prevalent among the Gulf population. International guidelines recommend, in some cases, therapy for the treatment of hypertensive patients. Aims:Our study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide (IRBE/HCTZ) combination in patients from the Gulf region according to 2007 European Society of Hypertension guidelines. Methods and Material:Our study registry was a multicentre, prospective, single-arm, observational study conducted in five Gulf countries between November 2011 and April 2014 (IRBEH_L_05891). Eligible patients with essential hypertension were treated with IRBE/HCTZ and followed for a period of three months. Data were collected at month 1 (optional) and month 3 (study conclusion). Measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and percentage of patients who achieved blood pressure target were calculated at baseline and after three months of treatment. Results:Overall, 1918 patients with essential hypertension were included in the efficacy population. Half of the patients (50.6%) achieved the required blood pressure control after three months of treatment. A significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed throughout the study (from 157/97 mmHg at baseline to 131/82 mmHg after three months; P< 0.001). Moreover, treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion:The study suggests that the IRBE/HCTZ combination treatment is an efficient option in the treatment of hypertensive patients from the Gulf region in a real-life setting.