CMAJ Readers' Forum

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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