Patterns of persistence with antihypertensive medications in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients in Italy: a retrospective cohort study in primary care

Abstract

Persistence with first-line single antihypertensive drugs is extremely low during the first year of treatment. Potential cost saving should be possible by reducing the high frequency of discontinuation. Diuretics represent the least expensive therapeutic option, although further investigations in the long-term are needed to analyse the effects of persistence on therapeutic effectiveness and related costs.

Difficult-to-control arterial hypertension or uncooperative patients? The assessment of serum antihypertensive drug levels to differentiate non-responsiveness from non-adherence to recommended therapy

“…The observed rate of non-adherence did not differ significantly from other reports that used different techniques to assess the adherence. [11][12][13] Compared with other approaches, however, the evaluation of SDL provides a reliable method to assess the actual adherence to the recommended therapy.…”

Blood pressure control and drug therapy in patients with diagnosed hypertension: a survey in Italian general practice

“…Successful BP control is possible with a combination of intensification and adherence, suggesting that the therapy intensification must be coupled with interventions to enhance medication adherence. 24 Unfortunately, both persistence 25 and adherence 26 are low among Italian hypertensive patients; it is, therefore, possible that these problems play a relevant role in BP under-control.…”

Achieving blood pressure goals globally: five core actions for health-care professionals. A worldwide call to action

“…A more active engagement in which patients play a sustained role in understanding and treating their high blood pressure is most likely to result in long-term blood pressure control. 32 Focused education, skill building and counseling should all be used as far as resources allow, thus ensuring that patients understand, are motivated by, and play a major part in managing their condition. 25,33,39 If available, specific hypertension education programmes may help to inform and empower patients to take control of their blood pressure management.…”

“…For those patients receiving adequate lifestyle advice and drug prescriptions, the most immediate causes of poor blood pressure control are lack of consistent patient adherence with the treatment strategy, and poor persistence with treatment in the long term 31,32 (Table 2). Many patients do not adopt or sustain lifestyle modifications because of the difficulties in changing an unhealthy lifestyle.…”