Analysis of prescription status of antihypertensive drugs in Chinese patients with hypertension based on real-world study

BACKGROUND: Globally, the prevalence of hypertension and the accompanying burden of cardiovascular disease are increasing. Through drug utilization research, we can understand the prescription status of hypertension patients and promote rational drug use. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the current prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs in Chinese patients and determine the compliance level of treatment guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Around 11.1 million patients who received a prescription for antihypertensive therapy between January 2021 to December 2021 were obtained from a database of Hangzhou Kang Sheng Health Consulting CO., Ltd. RESULTS: The mean age of hypertensive patients was 54.75 ± 12.98 years. About 6.7 million (60.30%) were males. About 46.07% of patients had comorbidities. The most common classes of antihypertensive medications used were calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Around 78.33% of participants were on monotherapy. Diuretics + ARBs and Diuretics + CCBs + ARBs were the most commonly prescribed pattern in two-drug combination therapy and three-drug combination therapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CCBs and ARBs were the two most frequently prescribed for patients with hypertension. The prescription pattern of antihypertensive medications in the study largely complied with recommended Chinese hypertension guidelines. KEY MESSAGES: Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication of hypertension. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are the two most commonly used drugs for hypertension patients in China. The proportion of combination prescription pattern in Chinese hypertensive patients is low.