Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors in adult population. Even values of high normal blood pressure are linked to increased risk of major cardiovascular events and only minority of patients reach the target values with antihypertensive medications prescribed. We wanted to  demonstrate the efficacy and safety of treatment with losartan and/or combination of losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide in middle aged population with most frequent cardiovascular risk factors. We conducted a multicenter, prospective, observational, non-randomized study over 10 weeks in patients with essential hypertension whose blood pressure was not adequately controlled despite previously prescribed antihypertensive therapy. Main outcome parameters were systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction and the rate of normalization of blood pressure at study end, comparing to baseline. 595 patients were included in the study, 313 men and 281 women (1 of the participant’s sex was not determined), with mean age of 63.1 ± 10.0 years. Patients received losartan and/or losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide instead or on top of their previous antihypertensive medications. Average blood pressure was lowered from (158 ± 13)/(95 ± 9) mmHg to (137 ± 10)/(84 ± 8) mmHg and (157 ± 15)/(92 ± 9) mmHg to (136 ± 12)/(82 ± 8) mmHg in non-diabetic and diabetic patients respectively (P<0.05). Average blood pressure reduction was 21/11 mmHg for non-diabetic patients while reduction of blood pressure for diabetic patients was 20/11 mmHg. Target blood pressure attainment rates were higher in non-diabetic patients. From our results we may conclude that losartan and/or combination of losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide are effective and potent antihypertensive agents and could be used in high risk non-diabetic and diabetic patient due to its neutral and some beneficial metabolic effects.

Key words: Losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, high blood pressure.