Antihypertensive medication adherence and blood pressure control among central Alabama veterans

Medication nonadherence is associated with adverse outcomes. To evaluate antihypertensive medication adherence and its association with blood pressure (BP) control, the authors described population adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medication (proportion of days covered ≥80%) and BP control (mean BP <140/90 mm Hg) among central Alabama veterans during the fiscal year 2015. Overall, 75.1% of patients receiving antihypertensive medication were considered adherent, and 66.1% had adequate BP control. Patients adherent to antihypertensive medication were more likely to have adequate BP control compared with patients classified as nonadherent (67.4% vs 62.0%; adjusted odds ratio 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.44 [P<.0001]). Among patients who had uncontrolled BP, 73.6% were considered adherent to medication. Adherence to antihypertensive medication was associated with adequate BP control; however, a substantial proportion of patients with inadequate BP control were also considered adherent. Interventions to increase BP control could address more aggressive medication management to achieve BP goals.     

The association between medication adherence and treatment intensification with blood pressure control in resistant hypertension

Patients with resistant hypertension are at risk for poor outcomes. Medication adherence and intensification improve blood pressure (BP) control; however, little is known about these processes or their association with outcomes in resistant hypertension. This retrospective study included patients from 2002 to 2006 with incident hypertension from 2 health systems who developed resistant hypertension or uncontrolled BP despite adherence to ≥3 antihypertensive medications. Patterns of hypertension treatment, medication adherence (percentage of days covered), and treatment intensification (increase in medication class or dose) were described in the year after resistant hypertension identification. Then, the association between medication adherence and intensification with 1-year BP control was assessed controlling for patient characteristics. Of the 3550 patients with resistant hypertension, 49% were male, and mean age was 60 years. One year after resistance hypertension determination, fewer patients were taking diuretics (77.7% versus 92.2%; P<0.01), β-blockers (71.2% versus 79.4%; P<0.01), and angiotensinogen-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (64.8% versus 70.1%; P<0.01) compared with baseline. Rates of BP control improved over 1 year (22% versus 55%; P<0.01). During this year, adherence was not associated with 1-year BP control (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI: 0.94-1.47]). Treatment was intensified in 21.6% of visits with elevated BP. Increasing treatment intensity was associated with 1-year BP control (adjusted odds ratio, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.58-1.71]). In this cohort of patients with resistant hypertension, treatment intensification but not medication adherence was significantly associated with 1-year BP control. These findings highlight the need to investigate why patients with uncontrolled BP do not receive treatment intensification.     

Understanding Uncontrolled Hypertension: Is It the Patient or the Provider?

The relative contributions of adherence and treatment intensity to blood pressure (BP) control are not well understood. The authors studied patients with uncontrolled hypertension (N=410) from 3 primary care clinics in the Veterans Affairs (VA) medical system. A questionnaire was used to assess patient adherence to therapy, and VA system pharmacy fills were used to assess the intensity of the antihypertensive regimen. At baseline, an inadequate antihypertensive regimen was implicated as the most probable reason for uncontrolled BP in a majority of patients (72%), while nonadherence could only be implicated in 13%. In multivariate longitudinal analyses, patients who had an increase in their medical treatment during the study had lower final diastolic BP levels compared with the patients who did not (-3.70 mm Hg; P<.05). While patient adherence to therapy plays a role, vigorous clinical management by the clinician is a more important contributor to BP control.     

Why Don’t Diabetes Patients Achieve Recommended Risk Factor Targets? Poor Adherence versus Lack of Treatment Intensification

Background Despite the availability of effective hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia therapies, target levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), and hemoglobin A1c control are often not achieved. Objective To examine the relative importance of patient medication nonadherence versus clinician lack of therapy intensification in explaining above target cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor levels. Design Cross-sectional assessment. Participants In 2005, 161,697 Kaiser Permanente Northern California adult diabetes patients were included in the study. Measurement “Above target” was defined as most recent A1c ≥7.0% for hyperglycemia, LDL-c ≥100 mg/dL for hyperlipidemia, and SBP ≥130 mmHg for hypertension. Poor adherence was defined as medication gaps for ≥20% of days covered for all medications for each condition separately. Treatment intensification was defined as an increase in the number of drug classes, increased dosage of a class, or a switch to a different class within the 3 months before or after notation of above target levels. Results Poor adherence was found in 20–23% of patients across the 3 conditions. No evidence of poor adherence with no treatment intensification was found in 30% of hyperglycemia patients, 47% of hyperlipidemia patients, and 36% of hypertension patients. Poor adherence or lack of therapy intensification was evident in 53–68% of patients above target levels across conditions. Conclusions Both nonadherence and lack of treatment intensification occur frequently in patients above target for CVD risk factor levels; however, lack of therapy intensification was somewhat more common. Quality improvement efforts should focus on these modifiable barriers to CVD risk factor control. Dr. Heisler is a VA HSR&D Career Development awardee.     

Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications amongst patients with uncontrolled hypertension: A retrospective study

Medication nonadherence represents a modifiable risk factor for patients with hypertension. Identification of nonadherent patients could have significant clinical and economic implications in the management of uncontrolled hypertension.We analysed the results of 174 urinary adherence screens from patients referred to Addenbrooke''s Hospital, Cambridge, for uncontrolled hypertension. Cases were identified for evaluation by results of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of urine samples (males: 91; females: 83; age range: 17–87). We performed a binary logistic regression analysis for nonadherence using age, sex, and number of medications prescribed (both antihypertensives and non-antihypertensives separately) as independent predictors. Rates of nonadherence for individual antihypertensive drugs were calculated if prescribed to ≥10 patients.The overall rate of nonadherence to one or more prescribed antihypertensive medications was 40.3%. 14.4% of all patients were nonadherent to all prescribed antihypertensive medications (complete nonadherence), whereas 25.9% of all patients were nonadherent to at least 1, (but not all) prescribed antihypertensive medications (partial nonadherence). 72% of patients were prescribed ≥3 antihypertensives And for every increase in the number of antihypertensive medications prescribed, nonadherence increased with adjusted odds ratios of 2.9 (P < .001). Logistic regression showed that women were 3.3 times more likely to be nonadherent (P = .004). Polypharmacy (≥6 medications prescribed for hypertension and/or concomitant comorbidities) was prevalent in 52%. Bendroflumethiazide and chlortalidone demonstrated the highest and lowest nonadherences respectively (45.5% and 11.8%).Rate of nonadherence in patients with hypertension was significantly impacted by sex and number of antihypertensive medications prescribed. Understanding these factors is crucial in identifying and managing nonadherence.     

Relationship between health‐related quality of life and blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension

We sought to investigate the psychosocial characteristics of patients with uncontrolled hypertension and examine factors that influence blood pressure (BP) control. A total of 1011 patients with uncontrolled hypertension were enrolled in 13 tertiary hospitals. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg despite on antihypertensive therapy. Socio‐demographics, anthropometrics, behavioral risk factors, medication pattern, adherence, and measures of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL; EuroQol 5D visual analog scale [EQ‐5D VAS]) were assessed at baseline and during follow‐up visits (3 and 6 months). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on BP control status at 6 months (controlled group [n = 532] vs uncontrolled group [n = 367]). There were no differences in clinical characteristics except the proportion of smokers and baseline BP between patients with controlled BP and uncontrolled BP. At 6 months, the adherence of antihypertensive medication did not differ between the groups but the proportion of combination therapy with ≥3 antihypertensives was significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled BP. EQ‐5D VAS at follow‐up was significantly lower in patients with uncontrolled BP despite similar baseline values. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that EQ‐5D VAS at follow‐up significantly correlated with BP control. Patients with worse HRQoL had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and higher proportion of taking ≥3 antihypertensives, but medication adherence was similar to those with better HRQoL. These findings suggest that along with pharmacologic intervention of hypertension, management of comorbid conditions or psychological support might be helpful for optimizing BP control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.     

Methods to improve medication adherence in patients with hypertension: current status and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Efficacious pharmacologic treatments are available for the management of hypertension, yet only about 50% of patients treated with antihypertensive medications have their blood pressure controlled. A key factor contributing to poor blood pressure control is suboptimal adherence to prescribed therapy. Despite numerous studies conducted over the last 50 years to identify the best method for increasing patient compliance, no single intervention has emerged as superior to the others. This article reviews the effectiveness of methods to improve antihypertensive medication adherence, discusses the effect of drug benefit caps on compliance, and proposes a framework for future clinical and research directions. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have attempted to quantify the effectiveness of various methods to improve adherence. As a result of the multiple factors influencing medication adherence, a patient-centered approach that tailors interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to adherence may be necessary. SUMMARY: Physicians and other health care professionals should consider nonadherence to medication when evaluating a patient with poor blood pressure control. In selecting an intervention to improve compliance to medications, clinicians should consider engaging the patient in an intervention that overcomes patient-specific barriers. Future research should target development of adherence models, which simultaneously examine the effects and interactions of social, psychological, and biologic variables on antihypertensive medication adherence.     

Self-reported medication adherence and cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary heart disease: the heart and soul study

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to physician treatment recommendations is an increasingly recognized cause of adverse outcomes and increased health care costs, particularly among patients with cardiovascular disease. Whether patient self-report can provide an accurate assessment of medication adherence in outpatients with stable coronary heart disease is unknown. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the risk of cardiovascular events associated with self-reported medication nonadherence in 1015 outpatients with established coronary heart disease from the Heart and Soul Study. We asked participants a single question: "In the past month, how often did you take your medications as the doctor prescribed?" Nonadherence was defined as taking medications as prescribed 75% of the time or less. Cardiovascular events (coronary heart disease death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) were identified by review of medical records during 3.9 years of follow-up. We used Cox proportional hazards analysis to determine the risk of adverse cardiovascular events associated with self-reported medication nonadherence. RESULTS: Of the 1015 participants, 83 (8.2%) reported nonadherence to their medications, and 146 (14.4%) developed cardiovascular events. Nonadherent participants were more likely than adherent participants to develop cardiovascular events during 3.9 years of follow-up (22.9% vs 13.8%, P = .03). Self-reported nonadherence remained independently predictive of adverse cardiovascular events after adjusting for baseline cardiac disease severity, traditional risk factors, and depressive symptoms (hazards ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.3; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: In outpatients with stable coronary heart disease, self-reported medication nonadherence is associated with a greater than 2-fold increased rate of subsequent cardiovascular events. A single question about medication adherence may be a simple and effective method to identify patients at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events.     

Influence of high risk of obstructive sleep apnea on adherence to antihypertensive treatment in outpatients

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common cause of high blood pressure (BP). Many patients, however, have uncontrolled BP because of nonadherence to antihypertensive medication. The possibility that OSA influences adherence has not been investigated to date. The authors sought to explore the possible association between high risk of OSA and nonadherence. This study was carried out in a hypertension outpatient clinic. Adherence to medication, high risk of OSA, and sleepiness were evaluated in a cross‐sectional study. These variables were identified using the eight‐item Morisky, STOP‐Bang, and Epworth scales, respectively. A total of 416 patients with hypertension were enrolled (32% male, aged 65±11 years). Nonadherence was identified in 71 (17%) individuals. The prevalence of high risk of OSA was 323 (78%) and of somnolence was 136 (33%). High risk of OSA was associated with nonadherence, showing a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–5.6) and retained significance after adjustment for sleepiness (PR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.9 [P=.011]). Sleepiness was also associated with nonadherence (PR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6 [P=.003]). High risk of OSA and sleepiness are associated with nonadherence. These conditions, if treated, may allow for achieving better outcomes and improvement of adherence to medication.     

Nonadherence to Antihypertensive Medication Among Hypertensive Adults in the United States─HealthStyles, 2010

Nonadherence, or not taking medications as prescribed, to antihypertensive medications has been associated with uncontrolled hypertension. The authors analyzed data from HealthStyles 2010 to assess medication nonadherence among adults with hypertension. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 27.4% and the prevalence of nonadherence was 30.5% among hypertensive adult respondents. Nonadherence rates were highest among younger adults (aged 18–44 years), Hispanics, those who reported lowest annual income (<$25,000), and those who reported depression. The most common reason stated for nonadherence was “I cannot afford the medication” (35.1%). A multivariate logistic regression model showed age, race, and household income to be associated with nonadherence. These findings suggest that certain subgroups are more likely to report barriers to adherence. Interventions to support the management of hypertension should consider the identification of certain at‐risk subgroups and utilize community and clinical evidenced‐based resources to improve long‐term control.     

Risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension in Italy

To identify factors related to poor control of blood pressure in primary care, we designed a retrospective case-control analysis of clinical and demographic data recorded in the General Practitioners (GP) database. Study data were provided on a voluntary basis by 21 GPs from a practice-based network in primary care. The study included 2519 hypertensive patients enrolled between January 1 and December 31, 2000. The interventions were antihypertensive medication, and the main outcome measures were control of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). The independent variables considered were: age of patient and GP; patient gender, body mass index, history of smoking, diabetes mellitus, or cholesterol tests; family history of hypertension; previous visits for cardiologic, nephrologic, or vascular surgery evaluation; prior hospitalizations for myocardial infarction or heart failure, and number of admissions for surgery; length of patient follow-up, type of antihypertensive medication, mean daily dosage, adherence to the drug regimen, and number of other medications currently being taken by the patient. Blood pressure was uncontrolled (>140/90 mmHg) in 1525 (60%) of the 2519 hypertensive patients enrolled. The presence of diabetes mellitus, increasing patient age, and increasing GP age significantly increased the risk of uncontrolled BP. Factors significantly associated with a reduced risk of uncontrolled BP were the number of other medications currently being taken by the patient and a prior history of MI. We conclude that the failure of antihypertensive medication to adequately control BP is determined by both the patient's characteristics and factors related to the patient-doctor relationship. Successful treatment of hypertension requires patient adherence to the regimen that has been agreed on by the patient and the physician.     

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or concomitant hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia

At optimal doses, individual antihypertensive agents lower blood pressure (BP) by an average of 10 mmHg. Many patients with hypertension, including those with stage 3 hypertension, target organ damage, or those at high risk for cardiovascular events and/or adverse effects of high-dose monotherapy, are likely to require combination antihypertensive drug treatment to achieve the recommended systolic/diastolic BP (< 140/90 mmHg). Two studies, a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (n = 70) and a community-based, open-label trial (n = 491) investigated the antihypertensive efficacy of doxazosin, a long-acting selective alpha1-adrenoceptor blocker, as add-on therapy for uncontrolled hypertension with other antihypertensive medications and in patients with concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and treated but inadequately controlled hypertension, respectively. The addition of doxazosin to baseline antihypertensive medication(s) significantly lowered BP and had a significantly positive effect on the serum lipid profile. In patients with concomitant BPH, doxazosin significantly improved all BPH symptom scores, regardless of initial symptom severity. Add-on doxazosin sufficiently reduced systolic/diastolic BP such that many patients whose hypertension was previously uncontrolled by other antihypertensive medications were able to reach goal BP (< 140/90 mmHg). Doxazosin as add-on therapy was well tolerated. In conclusion, doxazosin as add-on therapy improves BP control in hypertensive patients not at goal BP and improves lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with concomitant BPH.     

Electronic monitoring of adherence as a tool to improve blood pressure control. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to antihypertensive drug regimens is believed to be a major contributor to treatment failure. Electronic monitoring of adherence may improve adherence and allow differentiation between those who are nonadherent and those who are pharmacologically nonresponsive. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic monitoring of adherence in lowering blood pressure (BP) in comparison with usual care. METHODS: A total of 258 patients with high BP despite use of antihypertensive medication were randomly assigned to either continuation of usual care (with adjustment in antihypertensive medication if necessary) or to the introduction of electronic monitoring. Adherence to antihypertensive medication was monitored for 2 months without medication changes. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who reached target BP levels after a 5-month follow-up period. RESULTS: At 5 months, 50.6% of the patients in the usual care group reached adequate BP, v 53.7% in the electronic monitoring group (P = .73). The percentages of patients with drug additions or increases in dosage were higher in the usual care group compared with those in whom adherence was monitored (P < .01). CONCLUSION: These data show that electronic monitoring in comparison to usual care results in similar BP control but leads to fewer drug changes and less drug use. This result is likely to be achieved by improving adherence. Hence a strategy that includes electronic monitoring has the potential to prevent unnecessary treatment escalation in patients with poor adherence.     

Predictors of decline in medication adherence: results from the cohort study of medication adherence among older adults

Few data are available on the predictors of decline in antihypertensive medication adherence and the association of decline in adherence with subsequent blood pressure (BP) control. The current analysis included 1965 adults from the Cohort Study of Medication Adherence Among Older Adults recruited between August 2006 and September 2007. Decline in antihypertensive medication adherence was defined as a ≥2-point decrease on the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale assessed during telephone surveys 1 and 2 years after baseline. Risk factors for decline in adherence were collected using telephone surveys and administrative databases. BP was abstracted from outpatient records. The annual rate for a decline in adherence was 4.3% (159 participants experienced a decline). After multivariable adjustment, a decline in adherence was associated with an odds ratio (OR) for uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mm Hg) at follow-up of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.01-2.80). Depressive symptoms (OR: 1.84 [95% CI: 1.20-2.82]) and a high stressful life events score (OR: 1.68 [95% CI: 1.19-2.38]) were associated with higher ORs for a decline in adherence. Female sex (OR: 0.61 [95% CI: 0.42-0.88]), being married (OR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.47-0.98]), and calcium channel blocker use (OR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.48-0.97]) were associated with lower ORs for decline. In summary, a decline in antihypertensive medication adherence was associated with uncontrolled BP. Modifiable factors associated with decline were identified. Further research is warranted to determine whether interventions can prevent the decline in antihypertensive medication adherence and improve BP control.     

Systolic blood pressure is the main etiology for poorly controlled hypertension

BACKGROUND: Isolated systolic hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence of and to evaluate the effectiveness of currently available medications in the treatment of uncontrolled isolated systolic hypertension. METHODS: We randomly selected a total of 585 patients with hypertension from our database. The two most recent blood pressure (BP) readings and other data were obtained by chart review. RESULTS: Of 585 patients, 340 (58%) had controlled BP. Of 245 patients with uncontrolled hypertension, 77.1% had uncontrolled isolated systolic hypertension and the remaining 22.9% had uncontrolled diastolic hypertension. Patients with uncontrolled systolic hypertension were on average taking more antihypertensive medications than patients with controlled BP (2.10 +/- 0.09; P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: Systolic hypertension is the etiology of uncontrolled hypertension in the majority of patients. Currently available antihypertensive medications are less effective in controlling systolic hypertension.     

The effect of 24 h blood pressure levels on early neurological recovery after stroke

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of 24 h blood pressure (BP) levels on functional recovery 1 week after stroke and the effect of antihypertensive therapy on 24 h BP levels. DESIGN: Prospective study of patients admitted to hospital over 1 year with first in a lifetime stroke who underwent 24 h BP and casual measurements. Setting. Medical wards in a teaching hospital. Subjects. Of 160 patients, 72 patients admitted to hospital within 24 h of stroke onset were investigated. Patients with conditions and therapy that interfered with autonomic and sympathetic function were excluded. Interventions. All subjects underwent 24 h BP and casual recordings on admission to hospital and at day seven after stroke. The mean 24 h, day and night systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and their differences (nocturnal BP dip) were recorded. Patients were divided into three groups according to whether they were taking antihypertensive therapy during the first week: (i) no therapy, (ii) therapy continued after stroke, and (iii) new therapy introduced. Main outcome measures. Functional recovery (Rankin Scale 0-1) and neurological improvement [Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) >/=3 points] by 1 week of stroke. Change in circadian 24 h BP over 1 week. RESULTS: For each 10 mmHg difference between day and night time DBP, the odds for making a complete recovery were 4.63 (95% CI: 1.57-13.7, P=0.01). For each 10 mmHg difference between day and night SBP, the odds for making an improvement in neurological status was 2.24 (95% CI: 1.16-4.32; P=0.016). Significant falls in 24 h DBP (P=0.01), daytime SBP (P=0.005) and mean arterial BP (MABP) (P=0.04) over 1 week were demonstrated in patients who had just commenced antihypertensive therapy (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: An increase in day to night time BP change is favourable in short-term outcome after acute stroke. Significant falls in BP are more likely in patients started on antihypertensive therapy for the first time. Further research is required to understand the effects of circadian BP rhythm on stroke outcome.     

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.     

Impact of Drug Plans on Adherence to and the Cost of Antihypertensive Medications Among Patients Covered by a Universal Drug Insurance Program

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the impact of the type of drug plan on adherence to antihypertensive medication treatment as well as the cost of these medications within universal drug insurance programs.MethodsTo compare adherence to antihypertensive medication treatment and the cost of antihypertensive medications between adults with public and private drug insurance in the province of Québec, Canada, we reconstructed a matched retrospective cohort by linking data recorded in 3 administrative databases between March 2008 and May 2010. The cohort included 186 privately and 1747 publicly insured patients aged 18-64 years who were treated with 1 or 2 antihypertensive medications. Adherence measured with the proportion of days covered (PDC) over 1 year and the cost of antihypertensive medications were evaluated for new and prevalent users separately.ResultsMore than 70% of patients were 50-64 years old and 90% of the publicly and 72% of the privately insured patients were using only 1 antihypertensive medication. The mean PDC among new users of 1 antihypertensive medication was 58.8% for privately insured patients and 65.0% for publicly insured patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, privately insured patients treated with 2 antihypertensive medications were more likely to be adherent (PDC-P, 15.0%; 95% confidence interval, 7.0-24.0). Privately insured patients (CAD$41.52) had to pay significantly more for their antihypertensive medications than did publicly insured patients (CAD$32.21).ConclusionsThe cost of antihypertensive medications was higher for patients with private drug insurance, although adherence was similar in both groups. The results may reflect regulation of dispensing fees for publicly insured patients.