Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2018

Are fixed combinations of sartans with other antihypertensive drugs the optimal treatment for hypertension?

Arterial hypertension is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. The quality of the therapy of hypertension significantly affects cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Monotherapy fails to result in the expected therapeutic effect in the majority of patients. To achieve target blood pressure levels, about two thirds of patients require the use of combined therapy. Appropriately chosen for combination drugs with synergic effect leads to more effective blood pressure control and also to reduction of an incidence of possible side effects. However, compliance and adherence with treatment decreases with the increasing number of medications. Contemporary medicine, however, offers a fixed combination of drugs that simplifies the treatment of hypertension. Smaller amounts of tablets are better accepted by patient, there is better cooperation of active ingredients used, and therefore greater treatment success. A renin-angiotensin system blocker (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or sartan) and calcium antagonist, also the renin-angiotensin system blocker (ACEI or sartan) and diuretic; calcium antagonist and diuretic belong among the most frequently recommended double combinations.

Keywords: arterial hypertension, combined therapy, fixed combination, sartans