Antihypertensive Medication Use and Biochemical Outcomes in Primary Care Patients: A Multicenter Study in Kosovo
Journal
Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal
Date Issued
2026-03-20
Author(s)
Alidema, Fitim
Kostovska, Irena
Alidema, Arieta Hasani
Mustafa, Lirim
DOI
10.13005/bpj/3383
Abstract
Arterial hypertension remains a major public health challenge that requires longterm pharmacological management; however, antihypertensive therapy may also be associated
with metabolic and biochemical alterations. This multicenter retrospective study evaluated the
association between antihypertensive drug use and biochemical parameters among primary
care patients in Kosovo and compared outcomes across three healthcare centers (Prishtina,
Ferizaj, and Gjilan). A total of 900 patients with essential hypertension receiving continuous
treatment for at least 12 months were included. Data were extracted from medical records and
laboratory registers between January 2024 and January 2025 and comprised demographic
variables, treatment regimens (monotherapy or combination therapy), and biochemical
parameters, including lipid profile, fasting glucose, renal markers, and electrolytes. Statistical
analyses included ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and
multivariate logistic regression. Combination therapy was associated with significantly higher
levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05),
while lipid alterations were more prominent among patients treated with beta-blockers and
diuretics (p < 0.01). The use of two or more antihypertensive drug classes independently
predicted an increased risk of dyslipidemia (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.5; p = 0.004). No significant
differences were observed in glucose levels between the study centers (p = 0.21). Long-term
antihypertensive therapy, particularly polytherapy, is associated with clinically relevant
biochemical changes affecting lipid metabolism and renal function, highlighting the necessity
for routine laboratory monitoring and individualized treatment optimization in primary care
practice.
with metabolic and biochemical alterations. This multicenter retrospective study evaluated the
association between antihypertensive drug use and biochemical parameters among primary
care patients in Kosovo and compared outcomes across three healthcare centers (Prishtina,
Ferizaj, and Gjilan). A total of 900 patients with essential hypertension receiving continuous
treatment for at least 12 months were included. Data were extracted from medical records and
laboratory registers between January 2024 and January 2025 and comprised demographic
variables, treatment regimens (monotherapy or combination therapy), and biochemical
parameters, including lipid profile, fasting glucose, renal markers, and electrolytes. Statistical
analyses included ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and
multivariate logistic regression. Combination therapy was associated with significantly higher
levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05),
while lipid alterations were more prominent among patients treated with beta-blockers and
diuretics (p < 0.01). The use of two or more antihypertensive drug classes independently
predicted an increased risk of dyslipidemia (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.5; p = 0.004). No significant
differences were observed in glucose levels between the study centers (p = 0.21). Long-term
antihypertensive therapy, particularly polytherapy, is associated with clinically relevant
biochemical changes affecting lipid metabolism and renal function, highlighting the necessity
for routine laboratory monitoring and individualized treatment optimization in primary care
practice.
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