Treatment considerations of clinical physician on hypertension management in Asia

Background: There are important differences in the lifestyle and cardiovascular disease risks between Asian and Western populations. The objective of this survey was to investigate the awareness of these factors in the practice of hypertension management among Asian physicians. Methods: General practitioners and specialists in Asia were surveyed by questionnaire with regard to their management of hypertension. Physicians attending international conferences or meetings on hypertension between March and May 2014 were asked to participate. Results: In their treatment of hypertensive patients, 87% of the 133 respondents said they considered the Asian lifestyle and region-specific characteristics of hypertension in their treatment decisions, while just less than 11% did not. Almost all physicians (92%) recognized the necessity for an Asian-specific guideline for the management of hypertension. For patients with diabetes, 37% and 59% of the respondents used target systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels of 140 mmHg and 130 mmHg, respectively; for elderly patients, 37% and 53% of respondents used target SBP levels of 140 and l50 mmHg, respectively. Forty-eight percent of Asian physicians used calcium channel blockers as the first-line choice of antihypertensive drug while 34% selected angiotensin II receptor blockers, 14% angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and 3% diuretics. Conclusion: Asian physicians consider that an Asian-specific guideline is needed for hypertension management in the Asian population.