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What Factors Contribute to the Inadequate Control of Elevated Blood Pressure?

2008; Wiley; Volume: 10; Issue: s1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1524-6175.2007.08028.x

1751-7176

W.J. Elliott,

Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes

Inadequate control of blood pressure may be attributed to both provider-related and patient-related factors. Health care provider-related factors may include an excessive reliance on monotherapy and reluctance to increase drug doses or add additional antihypertensive agents to the treatment regimen. The primary patient-related factor is nonadherence with the prescribed antihypertensive medication. Although the high cost of therapy is sometimes a reason for poor adherence, drug side effects or dosing considerations may be more important factors. Better adherence with antihypertensive medication is associated with a significantly greater likelihood of achieving blood pressure control and, consequently, with lower costs and reduced utilization of health care resources. Therefore, strategies that improve long-term adherence should be adopted. Single-pill, or fixed-dose, combination therapy is one approach that improves adherence, while also providing the antihypertensive efficacy needed to help patients achieve their blood pressure goals.