Blood pressure control and target organ complications among hypertensive patients in southern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Blood pressure (BP) control and target organ complications (TOC) among 203 hypertensive patients attending a hospital clinic in Abha, Saudi Arabia were studied. Optimal BP control was defined as BP < 140/90 and was achieved in 99 (48.8%) patients. Diuretics and calcium channel blockers were associated with the best rates of BP control while adverse drug reactions were associated with the poorest rates. TOC were classified according to World Health Organization criteria; 62% of patients had no TOC. Retinopathy, renal impairment and left ventricular hypertrophy were the most common stage II complications. Cerebrovascular accidents and ischaemic heart disease were the most common stage III complications.