Lifestyle Factors Associated With Blood Pressure Control Among Those Taking Antihypertensive Medication

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relations between lifestyle factors and blood pressure (BP) control among patients with hypertension who were regularly taking antihypertensive medication as prescribed. From the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, the 690 individuals diagnosed with hypertension who were regularly taking antihypertensive medication were identified. Slightly more than half of the patients (54.3%) had their BP under control. Younger patients, those having one or more comorbidities and those performing physical activity at least 4 days a week were more likely to have their BP under control, while overweight patients, heavy alcohol drinkers, and those with mild to very severe stress had lower rates of BP control. The study results suggested that to reduce uncontrolled BP, public health efforts should target old and overweight patients and those with unhealthy lifestyles including heavy alcohol drinking, stress, and lack of physical activity.

High blood pressure prevalence and control in a middle-aged French population and their associated factors: the MONA LISA study

“…As reported in other studies in France [11,23] and elsewhere [17,[24][25][26][27], BP control became poorer with increasing age with a statistically significant effect in women. This may be due to higher BP levels in older individuals making it more difficult to achieve BP goals, and thus requiring more intensive treatment with associated issues of tolerability and adherence.…”

Effects of Lipid‐Lowering and Antihypertensive Treatments in Addition to Healthy Lifestyles in Primary Prevention: An Analysis of the HOPE‐3 Trial

“…In participants with systolic blood pressure ≥143.5 mm Hg, the placebo event rates were higher in those with healthier lifestyles and similar to those with less healthy lifestyles (8.13% versus 8.68%, respectively); antihypertensive medication significantly reduced CVD in the subgroup with less healthy lifestyle and was associated with a trend in lowering CVD in the healthier lifestyle subgroup. Similar findings have been reported in hypertensive participants in observational studies 7, 8, 9…”

“…In observational studies, adherence to healthy lifestyles has been associated with reduced CVD risk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Our study confirms this association in a large and contemporaneous primary‐prevention trial; however, only 2% of study participants adhered to all 4 healthy lifestyle factors, and a third had <2 of these 4 factors.…”

“…Observational studies indicate that healthy lifestyles, defined as avoidance of tobacco, moderate or vigorous physical activities, optimal body weight, and healthy diet, are associated with lower mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Both statins and blood pressure lowering (in those with elevated blood pressure) reduce the risk of CVD in randomized clinical trials, but no analyses of randomized trial data have evaluated whether the effects of statins or antihypertensive agents compared with placebo vary in patients who adhere or do not adhere to healthy lifestyles.…”

Patient and Practice Perspectives on Strategies for Controlling Blood Pressure, North Carolina, 2010–2012

“…Despite health risks, fewer than half the people with hypertension have controlled blood pressure (1). A host of factors including medication nonadherence (2,3), unhealthy lifestyles (4), competing priorities, and provider inertia (5) contribute to suboptimal blood pressure control. In an effort to improve blood pressure control, quality improvement programs focus on patient, provider, and system changes (6).…”