Effectiveness of Hypertension Therapy by Using Fixed Combinations and Monocomponent Drugs—A Prospective Study from Croatia

Arterial hypertension is the leading risk mortality factor in the world according to the report by the World Health Organization. The aim of this research was to compare fixed-dose combination with free-drug combination therapy and prove that fixed-dose combination improve patient compliance and persistence, measuring blood pressure among hypertensive patients in a Croatian Adriatic city. Methods: The study included 202 patients, 101 women and 101 men, mean age 66.8 ± 9.4 with previous diagnosis of hypertension. Results: Mean blood pressure was 152.8 ± 18.8/87.3 ± 10.3 mmHg. Blood pressure control (≤ 140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 24.8% of patients, 13.9% of women and 10.9% of men. Mean blood pressure in the group with fixed-dose combination was 149.2 ± 17.9/86.2 ± 8.5 mmHg, and 156.7 ± 18.9/88.4 ± 11.8 mmHg in the group with free-drug combination therapy. Conclusions: Results suggest that blood pressure control was better in patients with fixed-dose combinations than in patients with free-drug combinations. Fixed-drug combination improved compliance and adherence in patients with antihypertensive therapy. Results of the study indicate that fixed-drug combination should be considered in patients with hypertension according to the guidelines.