Simplified therapeutic intervention to control hypertension and hypercholesterolemia: a cluster randomized controlled trial (STITCH2).

Background: Notwithstanding improving rates of hypertension control in North America, management of patients with both hypertension and dyslipidemia remains problematic. Based on evidence of improved control utilizing a simplified algorithm for management of hypertension (STITCH), we questioned whether a simplified comprehensive treatment algorithm featuring initial use of single-pill combinations (SPCs) would improve management of participants with both hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Method: We randomized 35 primary care practices in Ontario to either Guidelines-care (following current Canadian guidelines) or STITCH2-care (following a treatment algorithm featuring SPCs).

Barriers to blood pressure control: a STITCH substudy.

Despite improvements in blood pressure (BP) control, a substantial percentage of patients do not achieve target. The relative importance of determinants of poor BP control is unclear. Therefore, the authors conducted a post hoc exploratory analysis to assess determinants of BP control.

A simplified approach to the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension: a cluster randomized, controlled trial.

Notwithstanding the availability of antihypertensive drugs and practice guidelines, blood pressure control remains suboptimal. The complexity of current treatment guidelines may contribute to this problem. To determine whether a simplified treatment algorithm is more effective than guideline-based management, we studied 45 family practices in southwestern Ontario, Canada, using a cluster randomization trial comparing the simplified treatment algorithm with the Canadian Hypertension Education Program guidelines.