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Listen to Story A study on determining the best combinations of medicines to manage high blood pressure or hypertension in India has finally come to a close. The study was conducted by doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Imperial College London, experts from NGO Centre for Chronic Disease Control, and other organisations in India. The clinical trial , called TOPSPIN (Treatment optimisation for blood pressure with single-pill combinations in India), aims to fill a major gap in international guidelines, which currently do not specify which drug combinations work best for Indians.
The trial examined three commonly used two-drug combinations (also known as single-pill combinations or SPCs) of antihypertensive medications: WHY THESE COMBINATIONS? These combinations were chosen because they are effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart-related complications, according to existing global studies. Using single-pill combinations instead of single medications has several benefits, including faster and better blood pressure control, fewer side effects, and simpler dosing, which improves patient adherence. Using single-pill combinations instead of single medications has several benefits, including faster and better blood pressure control, fewer side effects.
(Photo: Getty Images) The trial uses a robust randomised, single-blind method, ensuring fair and unbiased results. It involves patients from different parts of India who either aren’t on any blood pressure medication or are on just one. This approach ensures the findings will be applicable to most Indian patients.
Initially, the medications were given in lower doses, with dosages gradually increased after two months. By six months, all participants received the full doses of their assigned combination , allowing for a comprehensive comparison. CHALLENGES OF THE STUDY The study wasn't without hurdles.
Recruiting participants was tricky because most patients with mild hypertension are treated in smaller clinics, not large hospitals where research is typically conducted. Besides this, only specific drug combinations were tested due to logistical reasons, leaving out options like beta-blockers, a class of prescription drugs treat conditions like heart conditions , high blood pressure and anxiety. Another limitation was that the study focused on blood pressure reduction, not long-term heart health outcomes, due to funding constraints.
This is the first study to test these drug combinations specifically for Indian patients, who often have unique health needs compared to populations elsewhere. With participants aged 30 to 79 and a good representation of women, the trial's findings are expected to guide better treatment strategies for Indians and even the broader South Asian community worldwide. Once completed, this research could reshape how hypertension is managed in India, potentially improving the lives of millions.
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