Prescription Trends of Initial Antihypertensive Medications among Treatment-Naïve Individuals in South Korea: A Retrospective Analysis

IntroductionManaging hypertension effectively is crucial for preventing cardiovascular complications. This study investigates the prescribing trends of initial antihypertensive treatments in South Korea, focusing on the shift towards combination therapies, especially fixed-dose combinations, as recommended by current guidelines. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 59,950 treatment-naive hypertension patients without significant comorbidities from the National Patient Sample of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, spanning 2009 to 2020. The study examined the prevalence of monotherapy versus combination therapy and the preferred classes of antihypertensive drugs. ResultsAmong the cohort, 55.7% received monotherapy, and 44.3% were initiated on combination therapy. There was a notable increase in the prescription of fixed-dose combinations from 73.8% in 2009 to 93.8% in 2020. ARBs and CCBs were the predominant choices, with a preference for ARBs over ACE inhibitors, possibly due to the lower risk of side effects such as cough. The trend towards fixed-dose combinations aligns with guidelines advocating for improved patient adherence and efficacy. ConclusionsThe evolving prescription trends in South Korea towards combination therapy, particularly fixed-dose combinations, reflect a commitment to aligning with international hypertension management guidelines. This adaptation underscores the importance of evidence-based practice in enhancing hypertension care.