Patient-reported adverse events associated with use of anti-hypertensive drugs in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria

Background Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Adverse events with use of antihypertensive medications deter patients’ adherence. This study is aimed at evaluating the adverse events and comorbidities associated with the use of antihypertensive as seen in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria.
Method This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare hospital in southern Nigeria. Data was collected for a period of six months from 194 patients who attended cardiac clinic with demographic details, blood pressure values, antihypertensive drugs in use, level of medication adherence, adverse events, and co-morbidities.

Result Antihypertensive medications were prescribed according to their classes. Telmisartan (ARB) being the most prescribed one. Fixed dose single pill combination was more preferred. Adverse events such as dry cough, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness, peripheral edema, and erectile dysfunction were recorded. Major comorbidities are diabetes mellitus, dyspepsia and hyperlipidemia. Findings revealed gender disparities with males experiencing erectile dysfunction and more.

Conclusion This analysis pinpoints the need for prompt identification of comorbidities and side effects when treating hypertension. Patients’ compliance to treatment and therapy effectiveness is largely dependent on the provision of patient-specific treatment plan.