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Adherence to antihypertensive medication and association with patient and practice factors

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 20, pages 295–297 (2006)Cite this article

Medical non-adherence has previously been identified as a major problem in the treatment of hypertension. In our study, we found a mean adherence of 91.44±11.62% and no significant associations were discovered between adherence to medication and socio-demographic variables, comorbidities or number of antihypertensive drugs taken. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions to enhance patient medication adherence for this prevalent chronic condition.

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite improvements in its detection and treatment since the 1970s, studies show that 60–75% of treated hypertensive patients do not reach the recommended target blood pressure of <150/90 mmHg.1, 2 Non-adherence is thought to be a factor in lack of control of blood pressure and may lead to unnecessary adjustments of drug regimens and increased health care costs.3 Studies suggest that a treatment's efficacy is attenuated by patient non-adherence with medication and lifestyle advice. In fact, it has been estimated that only 50% of patients take medication as prescribed.4

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tayside Centre for General Practice, University of Dundee, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee, UK

    M E Inkster, P T Donnan, F M Sullivan & T Fahey

  2. Medicines Monitoring Unit (MEMO), University of Dundee, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee, UK

    T M MacDonald

Authors
  1. M E Inkster
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  2. P T Donnan
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  3. T M MacDonald
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  4. F M Sullivan
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  5. T Fahey
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Correspondence to M E Inkster.

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Inkster, M., Donnan, P., MacDonald, T. et al. Adherence to antihypertensive medication and association with patient and practice factors. J Hum Hypertens 20, 295–297 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001981

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