Background: Hypertension is a global health issue causing increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Adherence to prescribed medication is a crucial factor in obtaining targeted outcomes, and fixed-dose combined antihypertensive pills (FCAPs) have been shown to help combat difficulties associated with polypharmacy management. This study investigated the influence of combination antihypertensives on blood pressure (BP) management.
Methods and results: Data from the 2013 to 2020 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) were analyzed. Participants were included if between 18 and 79 years of age and were prescribed 2 antihypertensive classes. BP was deemed controlled if <140/<90 mm Hg. Examiner documentation and questionnaire data determined prescription antihypertensive medication usage and the presence of an FCAP. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were used to compare the 2 groups. Subgroup analysis was performed for stricter BP goals of <130/<80 mm Hg. A total of 15 927 747 weighted participants met the inclusion criteria, 32.7% of whom were undergoing management with an FCAP. Participants with an FCAP were 1.78 (95% CI, 1.28-2.47, P=0.001) times more likely to have controlled BP (76.4% versus 67.3%) than those without an FCAP. Subgroup analysis revealed that FCAPs were associated with stricter BP goals (odds ratio [OR], 1.65, P=0.008; 87.6% versus 71.2%) compared with those without.
Conclusions: Participants with an FCAP were more likely to exhibit controlled BP, including participants with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and those targeting stricter control. Clinicians can immediately and meaningfully affect their patient's BP by opting for FCAPs.
Keywords: antihypertensive management; fixed dose combination; hypertension; polypill; population science.