S Mehrdad Hamrahian1. 1. Division of Nephrology Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel School of Medicine Thomas Jefferson University, 833 Chestnut Street Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA. seyed.hamrahian@Jefferson.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the global burden of hypertension continues to rise, it remains suboptimally controlled despite increased awareness. Poor medication adherence is a well-recognized although underestimated contributing factor of uncontrolled hypertension. This review focuses on medication non-adherence as an important cause of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension and its impact on patient's well-being. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to biochemical screening, electronic technology-including electronic medication packaging devices such as medication event monitoring system, device integrated care delivery systems like digital medicine, and blood pressure telemonitoring-provides reliable objective data that enables healthcare providers to make decisions that enhance adherence and improve blood pressure control. Consistent medication adherence is a key factor to sustained blood pressure control. Evaluation and correct assessment for adherence should be an integral part of management of patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension. Clinicians need to recognize key clues linked to suboptimal adherence or non-adherence that can result in poor outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the global burden of hypertension continues to rise, it remains suboptimally controlled despite increased awareness. Poor medication adherence is a well-recognized although underestimated contributing factor of uncontrolled hypertension. This review focuses on medication non-adherence as an important cause of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension and its impact on patient's well-being. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to biochemical screening, electronic technology-including electronic medication packaging devices such as medication event monitoring system, device integrated care delivery systems like digital medicine, and blood pressure telemonitoring-provides reliable objective data that enables healthcare providers to make decisions that enhance adherence and improve blood pressure control. Consistent medication adherence is a key factor to sustained blood pressure control. Evaluation and correct assessment for adherence should be an integral part of management of patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension. Clinicians need to recognize key clues linked to suboptimal adherence or non-adherence that can result in poor outcomes.