Effect of hospital admission on antihypertensive medication utilization among older persons

Tariq M. Alhawassi, Ines Krass, Lisa G. Pont

Research output: Contribution to journalMeeting abstractpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Hospitalization may impact long-term medication use, yet little is known about the impact of hospitalization on antihypertensive therapy and blood pressure control in older persons. Objectives: The aims of this study were to explore changes to long-term antihypertensive medication regimens following hospitalization and identify factors associated with regimen changes. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey in a large metropolitan teaching hospital was conducted.A systematic sample of all patients aged ≥65 years admitted between 1 January and 31 December 2010 were included. Antihypertensive medication use and BP control on admission and discharge were compared for patients with hypertension. Factors associated with changes to antihypertensive regimens were identified using multifactorial logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 503 patients in the cohort, 69.0%(347) had a documented diagnosis of hypertension,and 88.8% of those with hypertension were using antihypertensive medications prior to hospitalization. Changes to antihypertensive medications occurred in39.5% (n=135) of patients with hypertension. On discharge, the proportion of patients with hypertension who were receiving an antihypertensive agent had declined compared with admission (85.3% vs.89.0%, p<0.0001). Adverse drug reactions (OR=5.0,2.80–9.34) were the main documented reasons for changes to antihypertensive medications. Use of beta blockers prior to admission (OR=2.1, 1.08–4.00) or a history of myocardial infarction (OR=2.09, 1.07–3.79) was also associated with antihypertensive medication changes. Conclusions: Hospitalization has a significant impacton antihypertensive pharmacotherapy. Two out of everyfive older persons on antihypertensive medications willexperience changes to their regimens during admissionto hospital. Communication regarding medicationchanges is essential to ensure quality health care.
Original languageEnglish
Article number139
Pages (from-to)80-81
Number of pages2
JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
Volume24
Issue numberSupplement S1
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2015
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology and Therapeutic Risk Management (31st : 2015) - Boston, United States
Duration: 22 Aug 201526 Aug 2015

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