REAL-WORLD CHARACTERIZATION OF HYPERTENSION PATIENTS IN JAPAN: A 1-YEAR OVERVIEW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  To characterize the real-world profile of hypertension (HTN) patients in Japan and their treatments, blood pressure (BP) control, and treatment costs with a focus on systolic hypertension (SH) and the elderly population.

METHODS:  Data were extracted from insurance claims and annual health checks. Only subjects with blood pressure readings in 2009 and 2010 at 10-14 months apart were included and identified by ICD-10-CM. Treatments and costs were evaluated, focusing on 65+ and <65 year-olds. 

RESULTS:  9269 subjects were identified with a HTN diagnosis and BP readings. Subjects mean age was 51.61(9.54) year-old, 73% were male, and they were diagnosed for 3.72(3.95) years. 56% had controlled†BP (<140/90) and 38.50% had SH. Poly-pharmacy for HTN was common (42 %): The angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; 48%) and calcium-channel blockers (CCBs; 28%) were the most frequently prescribed. Subjects with a longer history of HTN received more treatments: 1.23 and 2.45 medications were used within the first year and 10 years, respectively. 22% of subjects controlled at baseline became uncontrolled†while 40% of SH improved to-goal†over 1-year.  The average treatment costs for controlled subjects and SH were JPY231,626 and JPY202,117 and differed significantly.  The treatment cost for subjects aged 65+ (JPY266,771) and <65 (JPY213,091) differed significantly. 

CONCLUSION:  HTN in Japan is characterized by poly-pharmacy and moderate control. Treatment was dominated by ARBs and CCBs (alone or in poly-pharmacy). The elderly are more expensive to treat, regardless if they are treated to goal or remain hypertensive. HTN remains a significant burden in Japan.  

Keywords: hypertension, cost, blood pressure control, treatment