Medication adherence to antihypertensive regimens is achieved by approximately 50% of patients, with fewer than one in three patients achieving controlled blood pressure.
Does medication adherence improve blood pressure control and reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension?
Medication nonadherence is a major barrier to achieving blood pressure control and preventing adverse outcomes in hypertensive patients.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Patients' adherence to antihypertensive drug regimens is a complex but important factor in achieving blood pressure control and reducing adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Approximately one half of patients with hypertension adhere to prescribed medications, and fewer than one in three patients have controlled blood pressure. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent studies have highlighted the importance of patient medication adherence and have outlined factors that affect patient compliance with prescribed therapy. SUMMARY: On the basis of published studies, a conceptual framework of factors that affect patient adherence is presented. Recognizing patient nonadherence to medical therapy as a factor leading to poor blood pressure control and adverse outcomes remains a key challenge for clinicians caring for patients with hypertension.
Krousel‐Wood et al. (2004) conducted a review in Hypertension. Medication adherence was evaluated on Blood pressure control and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Medication adherence to antihypertensive regimens is achieved by approximately 50% of patients, with fewer than one in three patients achieving controlled blood pressure.