Is hypertension well controlled in hypertensive diabetics

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive diabetics and to study the types of antihypertensive agents used for BP control.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on hypertensive diabetics followed in the outpatient clinic of King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January 2000 to February 2001. Patient's age, sex, duration of diabetes and its control, duration of hypertension and the type of antihypertensive agents used, were noted. Patients were classified according to the degree of systolic and diastolic BP control into 4 groups: systolic group-I (</= 120 mm Hg), group-II (121-130 mm Hg), group-III (131-140 mm Hg), group-IV (>140 mm Hg); diastolic group-I (</= 80 mm Hg), group-II (81-85 mm Hg), group-III (86-90 mm Hg), group-IV (>90 mm Hg).

RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were included with a mean age of 61 years and an equal male to female ratio. Mean duration of diabetes was 14 years and 9 years for hypertension. Five of 230 (2.2%) were in systolic group-I, 28/230 (12%) in group-II, 94/230 (41%) in group-III, 103/230 (44.8%) in group-IV; while 7/230 (3%) were in diastolic group-I, 30/230 (13%) in group-II, 92/230 (40%) in group-III, and 101/230 (43.9%) in group-IV. Angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors were used in 163/230 (70.9%) followed by diuretics in 99/230 (43%), Calcium channel-blockers in 62/230 (27%), and B-blockers in 25/230 (10.9%).

CONCLUSION: Only a small percentage of hypertensive diabetics met the recommended BP for diabetics. Efforts should be made by both patients and physician to achieve better BP control.