Medication adherence: a key factor in achieving blood pressure control and good clinical 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.