Effectiveness of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients in Ukraine. Results of the first study under the «MISSION 50/28» program

Abstract

Improving the effectiveness of hypertension (HTN) treatment is an urgent priority in Ukraine, given the high cardiovascular mortality and persistently low rates of blood pressure (BP) control. To address this gap, the «MISSION 50/28» program was launched, incorporating both educational and research components. 
The aim – to estimate the efficacy of hypertension treatment in primary care practice in Ukraine. 
Materials and methods. A nationwide cross-sectional observational study was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025 by 1,455 primary care physicians. Data were collected on 12,744 adult patients with diagnosed HTN. Office BP, heart rate (HR), structure of antihypertensive therapy, cardiovascular (CV) events, and comorbidities were assessed using a standardized reporting form.
Results. The mean age of patients was 60.2±12.6 years; 48.8 % were men. The average BP was 153/90 mm Hg, with only 16.2 % achieving BP < 140/80 mm Hg. Antihypertensive therapy was used by 89.1 % of patients, of whom 21.7 % received monotherapy, 36.4 % dual therapy, 25.2 % triple, and 16.6 % multi-component therapy. Fixed-dose combinations were prescribed in only 24 % of combination regimens. Older age, male sex, and use of multi-drug regimens were associated with higher complication rates.
Conclusions. The first stage of the «MISSION 50/28» program revealed a critically low rate of effective BP control among treated patients with HTN in Ukraine. The findings highlight the need for intensified treatment, broader use of fixed-dose combinations, and improved adherence – particularly among men and younger adults.