Use and adverse reactions of antihypertensive drugs in Spain. Part I of the RAAE Study.

A nationwide survey, consisting of personal interviews with a representative sample of 2800 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and hypertensive patients, was conducted to evaluate the current therapeutic management of hypertension in Spain. The most widely used antihypertensive drugs were angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors (36.8%), followed by calcium channel blockers (28.1%), diuretics (24.8%), beta-blockers (16.1%), alpha-blockers (5.2%), and alpha/beta-blockers (4.5%). Combination drug therapy was prescribed for about 40% of hypertensive patients. The characteristics most highly valued by the different groups when selecting an antihypertensive agent are presented, as are the antihypertensive drugs preferred for treating high blood pressure associated with various pathological conditions. More than a quarter of the hypertensive patients surveyed (27.6%) indicated that they experienced some side effects with their antihypertensive medication. This, together with the failure to adequately control blood pressure, was the main reason that physicians cited for switching therapy. Approximately three-quarters of the patient respondents reported good compliance with their antihypertensive regimen. Physicians, however, reported total compliance for only 6% of their patients. Factors contributing to noncompliance were analysed. The implications of these results for the treatment of hypertension in Spain are discussed.