OUTCOMES OF THE FIRST 100 PATIENTS MANAGED IN A NEWLY ESTABLISHED HYPERTENSION CLINIC

Objective: The establishment of specialized hypertension clinics aims to provide structured care and improve outcomes for patients with hypertension, particularly those with resistant hypertension. This study analyzes the characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of the first 100 patients treated in a newly formed hypertension clinic at a tertiary center. Design and method: The first 100 consecutive patients referred to the hypertension clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome measures included blood pressure (BP) reduction and the proportion of patients achieving treatment goals. Results: The cohort consisted of 100 patients (mean age 50±18 years; 37% female), with a median hypertension hystory of 1.9 years (IQR 0.7–7.1). Initial office BP was 154±22 mmHg systolic and 88±13 mmHg diastolic, with 25% of patients presenting with Grade II or III hypertension (>160 mmHg systolic), 60% confirmed with ambulatory 24 h measurements. Resistant hypertension was observed in 30% of cases. Patients were on a median of 1 (IQR 0–3) antihypertensive medication, with 35% using combination pills. BP was successfully reduced to 123±10 mmHg systolic and 75±7 mmHg diastolic, representing a reduction of 29±19 mmHg systolic and 11±10 mmHg diastolic. Treatment goals were achieved in 92% of patients. Among the 8 patients not achieving target BP, levels improved significantly from 176±20 mmHg systolic and 96±10 mmHg diastolic to 142±8 mmHg systolic and 87±11 mmHg diastolic. Medication was intensified in these cases to a median of 2 (IQR 2–3) substances, with 90% on combination pills. Of the 36 overweight patients (BMI >30 kg/m2), weight loss was achieved in 23, with a median reduction of 6 kg (IQR 3–12), corresponding to a 9±8% decrease in body weight. Secondary hypertension was diagnosed in 6 patients (4 bilateral renal artery stenosis, 1 hyperaldosteronism, 1 acromegaly), and obstructive sleep apnea was identified in 10 patients. Conclusions: The hypertension clinic successfully achieved significant BP reductions, with 92% of patients reaching treatment goals. Key contributors to this success included optimized medication regimens, weight management, and identification of secondary hypertension.