Does the cardiologist have a key role in long-term management of hypertension?

Background: Hypertension is a widespread chronic condition which is usually treated with hypertensive drugs. However, 50% of hypertensive patients do not achieve control of their blood pressure below the standard target of 140/90 mmHg when treated with a single antihypertensive drug. Generally, hypertension specialists have a key role in managing hypertensive patients. Methods: A retrospective case note review based on observations made in a cardiological outpatient clinic in Germany was carried out to assess whether the recommendation given by hypertension specialists were followed. The aim was to lower the blood pressure to < 130/85 mmHg over a period of six months by administering the new antihypertensive drug Zaneril® (lercanidipine/enalapril). Twenty-four hour blood pressure profiles were monitored a fortnight and six months later. Results: Of the 130 patients, whose average blood pressure was 163/87 mmHg before receiving hypertensive treatment, only 44 (34%) were still on Zaneril® therapy six months later. Eighty-four patients (65%) did not turn up for follow-up examinations. The blood pressure of patients who were under Zaneril® therapy for the whole six months was better adjusted than that of patients who changed their treatment in the meantime (133/78 mmHg vs. 139/80 mmHg). Conclusions: Specialists have only little influence on the long-term therapy of hypertensive patients.