[Results of pharmacoepidemiological study of arterial hypertension in Russia (PIFAGOR)].
OBJECTIVE
To assess physicians preferences concerning the use of various groups of antihypertensive drugs in Russia.


METHODS
Special questionnaires containing 8 questions related to preferential adherence to representatives of various groups of antihypertensive drugs were distributed among practicing physicians who routinely treated patients with hypertension.


RESULTS
Of questionnaires returned between January and July of 2002 from 34 towns 530 were considered valid for analysis. Half of responses (50.4%) were from hospital physicians, 40.5% - from physicians of policlinics (outpatient clinics), 9.1% - from physicians working in other health care facilities. Most of respondents were internists (60.8%) and cardiologists (32.7%). Preferences concerning prescription of antihypertensive drugs were distributed in the following way: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors - 32% (50% captopril and enalapril); beta-adrenoblockers - 27% (77% atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol); diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide) - 22%; calcium antagonists - 15% (81% verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem, 64% - long acting preparations); angiotensin receptor blockers - 1.7%; centrally acting drugs - 1.5%; alpha-adrenoblockers - 0.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
Tendencies in real life treatment of patients with hypertension in Russia should be considered positive. Basic antihypertensive therapy included agents (mostly long-acting) from 4 main classes and the use of outdated drugs such as clonidine and reserpine was low.
Leonova
M V
MV
Analytical Research Group PIFAGOR, Moscow.
Belousov
D Iu
DIu
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012426:Russia / Q000453:epidemiology
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents