A recent study has revealed that a low-dose combination of three medications telmisartan, amlodipine, and indapamide significantly improves blood pressure control in Black African adults with hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, especially in this population, where it often leads to more severe complications.
Lead author of the research, Dr Dike B. Ojji explains the mechanism of the triple-pill combination, saying it targets multiple aspects of blood pressure regulation. Telmisartan helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Amlodipine further widens these vessels, while indapamide, a diuretic, helps the body eliminate excess salt and water.
Dr Ojji emphasised that this is the first study in Africa to test a low-dose triple-pill combination as a primary treatment for hypertension. He noted, “Our findings suggest that starting treatment with a combination of medications is more effective and safer than simply increasing the dose of a single drug. This approach could significantly improve hypertension management in resource-limited settings.”
The study, published in JAMA, involved 300 participants from Nigeria with uncontrolled hypertension, meaning their blood pressure remained high despite treatment or without treatment. Researchers compared the effectiveness of the triple-pill protocol with the standard-care approach, which typically involves increasing the dosage of a single medication over time.
After six months, 82 per cent of participants using the triple-pill combination had their blood pressure under control, compared to 72 per cent in the standard care group. This significant improvement underscores the potential of this treatment strategy to achieve better health outcomes in populations where hypertension is a prevalent and serious issue.
Hypertension is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is often undiagnosed or inadequately treated. A 2022 review reported that over 30 per cent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa have hypertension, with the prevalence in Nigeria even higher, affecting nearly 38 per cent of adults. The consequences of uncontrolled hypertension in this region are severe, contributing to a high burden of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
In conclusion, this study highlights a crucial step forward in the fight against high blood pressure, especially in Nigeria, where this issue prevails. By embracing this triple-pill approach, healthcare personnel in Nigeria and across Africa have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Managing high blood pressure more effectively means reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. This research offers hope for a healthier future.
