STITCH (Simplified Therapeutic Intervention To Control Hypertension)

There is a clear need for improved approaches for both improved blood pressure control and improved compliance with medication regimens. Although decreasing the frequency of drug taking does improve blood pressure control, whether fixed-dose combinations are more effective than taking multiple tablets is unknown. Additionally, notwithstanding the presence of excellent evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of hypertension, the choices for practitioners in regards to first line therapy is widening (and may be more confusing, especially in the setting of the proliferation of recommendations for a range of diseases). Whether a simplified treatment algorithm, consistent with the Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP) guidelines but using a step-care approach, might improve management of hypertension is unknown. The current study will determine the effectiveness of a simplified treatment algorithm which incorporates early use of a fixed-dose combination therapy.

This is a cluster randomized controlled trial. Approximately 50 family practices eligible for study participation will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to implement a treatment algorithm or to continue usual care for the management of hypertension. The randomization schedule will be stratified by the year of graduation of the family physician (< 1984 or ≥ 1984). Within each practice, 50 subjects will be managed according to the algorithm or usual care and will be followed for six months.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female subjects 18 years or older
• Hypertension SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg whether untreated or partially treated
• Absence of ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease
• Not participating in other hypertension studies
• Ability to give informed consent