Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is a physiological event that can be defined as the cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months, although many women seek medical advice before this time because of the onset of menopausal symptoms. The prevalence of hypertension (HT) is lower in premenopausal women than in men, whereas in postmenopausal women it is higher than in men. The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of hypertension and the impact of oral antihypertensives among post-menopausal women.

Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in General Medicine OPD & IPD at Karuna Medical College, Vilayodi, Chittur, for a period of 6 months. The study is based on the data collected from 116 patients who were post-menopausal women visiting for the treatment of hypertension.

Result & Discussion: A total of 116 post-menopausal women with hypertension were included in the study. Prescribing pattern of drugs in post-menopausal women is more complicated than in pre-menopausal women. The commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive agent is Calcium channel blocker (CCB)(45.16%), followed by Diuretics (19.35%), Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (14.51%) , Beta blockers (9.67%)  and Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (58%). In monotherapy, ARB and CCB women achieved significant reduction of BP and in combination therapy ARB with Diuretics gave significant reduction.

Conclusion: In post-menopausal women most commonly prescribed oral anti-hypertensive drugs are calcium channel blockers & diuretics. It is evident that good adherence to therapy and regular checkups will protect the post-menopausal women with HT from other major complications.

Keywords: Post-Menopausal Women, Hypertension, Adherence.