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Choice of first antihypertensive--are existing guidelines ignored?

AIMS
To determine adherence to hypertension guidelines in relation to age and diabetes.


METHODS
The Irish HSE-PCRS prescribing database identified patients initiating antihypertensive monotherapy in 2005. Logistic regression predicted the likelihood of therapy according to guidelines.


RESULTS
The odds ratio (OR) of receiving therapies according to the guideline recommendations in those <55 years vs. > or =55 years was 1.31 (95% CI 1.26, 1.37). Diabetics were more likely than nondiabetics to receive antihypertensives other than beta-adrenoceptor blockers (OR 2.97, 95% CI 2.74, 3.21).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show some adherence to the guidelines in relation to age but selective prescribing of antihypertensives for diabetics.