Medication use in elderly patients with hypertension: a cross-sectional study at a medical center in Vietnam, 2024-2025.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, especially in the elderly with multiple risk factors. In addition, low treatment adherence poses a significant challenge, requiring effective solutions to improve healthcare quality.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study based on prescriptions of patients aged ≥ 60 years diagnosed with hypertension in District 5, who met the inclusion criteria and did not violate the exclusion criteria from August 2024 to February 2025.

RESULTS

The study sample included 720 patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.26. The findings showed that prescriptions containing five or more drugs (37.8%) and those with three or more antihypertensive drugs (44.9%) were predominant. Among antihypertensive medications, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and bisoprolol were the most commonly prescribed (79.3% and 56.94%, respectively). The rate of potential drug–drug interactions was notably high at 72.4%, with 1.9% being severe interactions. Factors associated with drug–drug interactions included the use of calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, and the presence of comorbidities such as dyslipidemia and gastritis.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the complexity of comorbidities and medication regimens, with ARBs being the most commonly used drug class. Given the high rate of potential drug–drug interactions, rational adjustments in accordance with treatment guidelines are necessary to achieve blood pressure control and reduce cardiovascular events in the elderly hypertensive population in District 5. Pharmacist-led medication reviews and deprescribing protocols should be considered to minimize inappropriate drug combinations and improve medication safety among older adults.