Study Finds Effective Drug Combinations for High BP

Why in the news?

A study on drug optimization for high blood pressure in South Asians revealed three effective combinations, improving control rates significantly, offering guidance for hypertension management in India.

Study Finds Effective Drug Combinations for High BP

Overview of the Study:

  • Conducted by the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) in collaboration with AIIMS, India, and Imperial College, London.
  • Focused on optimising drug treatment for high blood pressure in South Asians with uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Tested three double anti-hypertensive drug combinations over two years.
  • India, with over 300 million individuals having high blood pressure, represents a significant portion of the global hypertension burden.

Key Findings:

  • Drug combinations studied:
    • Amlodipine and Perindopril.
    • Amlodipine and Indapamide.
    • Perindopril and Indapamide.
  • All three combinations proved equally effective and safe in reducing blood pressure levels.
  • Approximately 70% of participants achieved blood pressure control below 140/90 mmHg.
  • The success rate is five times higher than current BP control rates in India with just one pill.
  • Less than 3% of participants withdrew due to adverse effects, demonstrating the drugs’ excellent safety and tolerability.

Significance and Implications:

  • First randomised study focused on anti-hypertensive drug choice for South Asians.
  • Offers a practical guide for clinicians to manage hypertension effectively.
  • Results underscore the importance of combination therapy in improving blood pressure management outcomes.
  • Promises significant impact on addressing India’s hypertension burden, which constitutes 25% of the global population.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times