22/11/2013

Efficacy of newer versus older antihypertensive drugs in black patients living in sub-Saharan Africa

nov 22nd, 2013. En: Propuestas del editor.

Por: J R M’Buyamba-Kabangu, B C Anisiuba, M B Ndiaye, D Lemogoum, L Jacobs, C K Ijoma3, L Thijs, H J Boombhi, J Kaptue, P M Kolo, J B Mipinda, C E Osakwe, A Odili, B Ezeala-Adikaibe, S Kingue, B A Omotoso, S A Ba, I I Ulasi y J A Staessen. Journal of Human Hypertension (2013) 27, 729–735, June 2013.

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an epidemic of cardiovascular disease, mainly driven by hypertension. Depending on the age range in published studies, hypertension currently affects from 30% up to 60% of blacks, born and living in Africa. The 2003 guidelines of the World Health Organization and International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) propose that for the majority of hypertensive patients without a compelling indication for another class of drugs, a low-dose diuretic should be considered as the first choice of therapy on the basis of comparative trial data, availability and cost.7 However, recent trials8, 9 proved benefit of newer vs older antihypertensive drugs in terms of blood pressure control, reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and metabolic side effects.