Market share of cardiac market India FY 2020, by drug type

Hypertension drugs formed 65 percent of the cardiac market in India in financial year 2020. Cholesterol lowering drugs to treat hyperlipidemia formed 19 percent of the cardiac market that year.

Hypertension in India

Hypertension is the most concerning non-communicable disease risk factor in India. It is estimated to affect over 200 million people with greater regional prevalence among the urban youth. The number of cases of hypertension among the geriatric population is also on the rise. Age-adjusted hypertension was higher among men compared to women. The prevalence of diabetes among patients with hypertension suggests an increasing prevalence of resistant hypertension. This co-morbidity exacerbates the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

 Anti-hypertensive drugs

According to the standard treatment guidelines set by the government of India, patients diagnosed with hypertension or blood pressure are recommended treatment regimens of four main classes of hypertensive drugs. In combination with lifestyle modifications, therapy can be initiated with one or combination drugs. The most important and commonly used medications are thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), and beta blockers. Angiotensins reported the highest market value among all hypertensive drugs. Diuretics support the body in getting rid of excess sodium and water from the body which in turn help regulate blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the arteries which allows for smoother heart contractions. This reduces heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Similarly, beta-blockers lower blood pressure by reducing the heart rate.