Practice patterns in hypertension
Online posting: Sept. 29, 1997
Published in print: November 15, 1997 (CMAJ 1997;157:1348)
Re: Contemporary practice patterns in the management of
newly diagnosed hypertension, Finlay A. McAlister and associates,
CMAJ 1997;157[1]:23-30 [abstract /
résumé]
See response from: response: F.A. McAlister
This article suggests that research must be done to "determine
the reasons underlying physicians' noncompliance with the
evidence-based guidelines established by the Canadian
Hypertension Society."
I think that I may have the answer, without undertaking any great
research effort, other than talking with drug reps. The drug
companies have not been giving out samples of beta blockers or
diuretics for years now. They are all promoting the antiotensin-
converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.
So, when a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension walks into
your office, what are you likely to do -- write a prescription or
give the patient a sample? And if all you have are samples of the
new drugs, that is what the patient gets. And if the drug
controls the hypertension, that is what the patient will continue
to receive, providing there are no side effects.
Barry Hardin, MD, CCFP
Calgary, Alta.
hardinb@cadvision.com
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