OBJECTIVES

: This research examines the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and associated risk factors among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was used in diabetic patients with hypertension in King Khaled Hospital and Prince Sultan Center for Health Care in Al-Kharj, Riyadh. Patients’ information, data on hypertension, type of treatment, and comorbidities were captured through medical records. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) measurements greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. Antihypertensive medication use among these patients was analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed to detect the associated factors of uncontrolled hypertension.

RESULTS

: Of 1,178 outpatient diabetic patients who were included in the study sample, uncontrolled hypertension presented in 846 (71.8%). Most patients were on two antihypertensive medications, and the most frequently used was calcium channel blockers, followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Individuals most likely to have uncontrolled hypertension were those older than 65 years (OR 1.99, 95%CI: 1.059, 3.77), male (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.031, 2.22), and obese (OR=2.39, 95%CI: 1.63, 3.504).

CONCLUSIONS

: The extent of uncontrolled hypertension among diabetic patients in the study sample was found to be high. Age, sex, and obesity are the most important factors for increased risk of uncontrolled hypertension.