Optimization of blood pressure control in patients with resistant arterial hypertension and visceral obesity

Aim. To evaluate the course of resistant arterial hypertension in patients with visceral obesity, to identify predictors of unsatisfactory shot-term and long-term treatment outcomes, to optimize therapy and improve adherence to treatment.

Materials and methods. A total number of 90 individuals with a history of refractory or resistant arterial hypertension and visceral obesity were a subject of intensive study. The prospective analysis group consisted of 30 patients with an individualized management plan each, whereas the retrospective group of real clinical practice included 60 participants. At baseline, all patients were taking antihypertensives like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and a diuretic. After the initial examination, therapy was individually optimized for each patient in accordance with current clinical guidelines. Most patients in the retrospective group received ARBs valsartan or losartan, CCBs amlodipine, the diuretics indapamide and torasemide, the β-blockers bisoprolol and metoprolol, the α₂-agonist moxonidine, and the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. Patients in the prospective group were prescribed ARBs telmisartan and azilsartan, the CCB lercanidipine, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics indapamide and chlorthalidone, the β-blockers nebivolol and carvedilol, the α₁-blocker doxazosin, and spironolactone. A re-examination was performed 2 months later. Subsequently, regular communication was maintained with participants of the prospective group during 8 months using a messenger. Communication with patients of the retrospective group was not maintained. All the patients were then asked to self-report their health status by conducting a telephone survey.

Results. After 2 months, according to the data of the follow-up, in the retrospective group the target values of mean daily SBP and DBP were observed in 35 and 36.7% of patients, though the statistics among the patients in the prospective group were 66.7 and 60%, respectively. After 10 months, according to the results of the interviews, the target values of SBP and DBP were observed in 10 and 18.3% of patients, though the statistics among the patients in the prospective group were 93.3 and 96.7%, respectively. In the retrospective group, 78.3% of patients changed the previously selected therapy, in the prospective group this figure was only 20%. In the retrospective group, anthropometric data did not change, while in the prospective group, weight and waist circumference significantly decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion. Maintaining regular contact with patients and a well-rounded treatment strategy with individualized choice and dosage of medications with an emphasis on modern metabolically neutral drugs with a prolonged duration of action led to better BP control, increased adherence to therapy and indicated significant weight loss among the patients from the prospective group.