Epidemiology of Uncontrolled and Treatment‑Resistant Hypertension: A Registry‑Based Observational Study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe blood pressure control rates and prevalence of treatment resistant hypertension among diagnosed individuals. METHODS: , 2019, were included. Blood pressure control in diagnosed individuals was assessed using two targets: <140/90 mmHg and <130/80 mmHg. The prevalence of treatment-resistant hypertension defined by three commonly used criteria was calculated and its association with clinical characteristics, drug treatment patterns, and comorbidities were assessed. RESULTS: By the end of 2019, among those with a hypertension diagnosis, 57% (<140/90 mmHg) or 19% (<130/80 mmHg) had controlled blood pressure depending on the threshold used. The point prevalence of treatment-resistant hypertension ranged from <1% to 17% depending on definition and was associated with older age, higher body mass index, and multiple comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: Blood pressure control remains a major clinical challenge, with fewer than one in five patients with a hypertension diagnosis achieving <130/80 mmHg. The prevalence of treatment-resistant hypertension varied widely depending on the definition used and was closely associated with a greater burden of comorbidities, indicating an unmet need for improved strategies for this clinically challenging subgroup.