CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Background. Hypertension is one important risk factor to cardiovascular disease in adults. Objective. Our objective was to analyze the prevalence of hypertension, presence of risk factors and the prescription of mono-drugs in a Health Center of Mendoza, Argentina. Method. An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was performed. Data about age, sex, primary and secondary diagnosis, prescriptions and risk factors, of outpatients who were assisted in Medical Clinic and Cardiology during April-June 2011 were recorded and analyzed. The Formulary of Area, International Classification of Diseases, the Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical Classification, and tables of blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides were used. Results. Both sexes were equally affected by hypertension, prevalently between 50-69 years. The hypertension, was mainly associated with hyperlipidemia, followed by anxiety, obesity, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. The blood pressure and blood lipids were mainly optimal and normal; however, there are patients without a good control. The drug most prescribed was enalapril, followed by atenolol, atorvastatin and aspirin. Also, an elevated prescription of benzodiazepines, statins and aspirin was detected. There were factors predisposing to the apparition of adverse reactions, such as a high percentage of comorbidities, polypharmacy and inappropriate prescriptions. Conclusion. The implementation of educational measures that contribute to a safe prescription of drugs in hypertension and strengthening the acquisition of healthy habits by patients are is suggested. This study should replicate in different health centers and could contribute and motivate health professionals to remain alert in the early detection of inappropriate prescriptive behaviors in the hypertension that could affect patient safety.