Adherence and persistence with taking medication to control high blood pressure

Impact of expected blood pressure reduction on patient preferences for pharmaceutical and renal denervation treatment

BACKGROUND

Effective patient-centered care requires an adequate understanding of patient preferences for different therapeutic options. We modelled patient preference for blood pressure (BP) management by pharmaceutical or interventional treatments such as renal denervation in patients with different profiles of uncontrolled hypertension.

METHODS

Modeling was based on the findings from a previously conducted quantitative discrete choice experiment (DCE). The likelihood of selecting either an interventional treatment option or additional antihypertensive medication option was calculated for three patient profiles that represent the range of patients with hypertension commonly encountered in clinical practice: treatment-naive, patients with uncontrolled BP while on one to three antihypertensive medications, and patients with drug-resistant hypertension. Variables in the preference model were treatment attributes from the DCE study: expected reduction in office SBP with each treatment, duration of treatment effect, risk of reversible drug side effects from drugs, and risk of temporary pain and/or bruising or vascular injury from interventions. Values of the variables were derived from published clinical studies or expert opinion.

RESULTS

The model predicted that the likelihood of choosing renal denervation over initiating pharmacotherapy was 17.2% for previously untreated patients, 23.7% for patients with moderate hypertension currently on pharmacotherapy, and 41.8% for patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The dominant variable driving preference in these models was the expected BP reduction. Patient preferences for intervention are greater when drug nonadherence or increased SBP reduction at 3 vs. 1 year are included in the model. Baseline BP, drug side effects, or risks of the procedure had little influence on decisions.

CONCLUSION

Modeling using patient preference weights predicts that a substantial minority of patients favor an interventional treatment such as renal denervation over initiation or escalation of medications. Awareness of a patient's interest in device-based versus pharmaceutical strategies should inform the shared decision-making process for hypertension treatment.

Effectiveness of digital health interventions on adherence and control of hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hypertension, a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Digital health is now widely utilized for hypertension management, and numerous studies have assessed its effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

The review aims to analyse the effectiveness of digital health (i.e., mobile health (mHealth), telehealth, and the combination of mHealth & telehealth) on hypertensive patients, concerning three key areas: clinical outcomes, medication adherence, and adherence to lifestyle changes, as compared to standard care.

METHODS

The review followed the PRISMA framework. Eight electronic databases were scanned for randomized control trials focusing on the effects of mHealth or telehealth on hypertensive patients, published between 2010 and 2023. All processes were conducted by the first two authors independently. A meta-analysis was conducted for quantitative data, while a narrative synthesis was conducted for qualitative data.

RESULTS

In total, 74 studies involving 92 686 participants were identified. The meta-analysis favoured the interventions, revealing a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure for mHealth, telehealth and mHealth & telehealth groups. Nevertheless, medication adherence showed improvement only in the mHealth group, while blood pressure control showed improvement in both mHealth and mHealth & telehealth groups, and BMI showed improvement only in the mHealth group. Evidence for adherence to physical activity and DASH diet/salt intake remained inconclusive.

CONCLUSION

In general, mHealth and telehealth have demonstrated their merits in improving the clinical outcomes of hypertensive patients.

Improvement of non-adherence and reduction of BP values in patients with difficult-to-treat hypertension: the ATHAN clinical trial

Hypertension treatment and blood pressure (BP) control reduce cardiovascular disease burden. However, prevalence of controlled BP is overall insufficient and lack of adherence to treatment is a suggested major contributor. This prospective, randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate whether a specific 3-month (m) action plan to improve therapeutic adherence results in a decrease in BP. Patients with ambulatory 24 h-BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg despite receiving ≥2 antihypertensive drugs and with therapeutic non-compliance confirmed by antihypertensive drugs analyzed in urine were randomized (1:1) to receive a specific 3 m program to improve adherence (INT = intervention) or routine follow-up (C = control). Antihypertensive treatment was not modified and knowledge of non-adherence was only notified to patients randomized to the intervention group. Before randomization and at 3 m all patients underwent urinary screening for antihypertensive drugs and 24 h-ambulatory-BP monitoring. Forty-five patients (36% women, mean age: 58 ± 13 yr) were randomized. At 3 m, mean (95% CI) BP differences (INT vs. C) were 12.2 mmHg (4.3-20.8), adjusted-p = 0.032 and 8.7 mmHg (2.5-14.8), adjusted-p = 0.018 for 24 h-systolic and 24 h-diastolic BP, respectively. Differences (INT vs. C) for office SBP and DBP were 18.4 mmHg (6.8-30.1), adjusted-p = 0.005 and 15.7 mmHg (7.2-24.2), adjusted-p < 0.001. Non-detected antihypertensive drugs were median [IQR]: 40% [25-100] and 0% [0-20] at baseline and 3 m, respectively, in the INT group, and 33.3% [25-63.7] and 33.3% [23.8-57.9], in the C group (p < 0.001 for the 3-month between-group comparison). A combined action plan of notifying knowledge of non-adherence plus a 3-month specific nursing intervention to improve therapeutic adherence results in BP reduction in patients with inadequate therapeutic compliance.

Effectiveness of a Multifaceted Mobile Health Intervention (Multi-Aid-Package) in Medication Adherence and Treatment Outcomes Among Patients With Hypertension in a Low- to Middle-Income Country: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in Pakistan is predominantly attributed to poor medication adherence. As more than 137 million people in Pakistan use cell phones, a suitable mobile health (mHealth) intervention can be an effective tool to overcome poor medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether a novel mHealth intervention is useful in enhancing antihypertensive therapy adherence and treatment outcomes among patients with hypertension in a low- to middle-income country.

METHODS

A 6-month parallel, single-blinded, superiority randomized controlled trial recruited 439 patients with hypertension with poor adherence to antihypertensive therapy and access to smartphones. An innovative, multifaceted mHealth intervention (Multi-Aid-Package), based on the Health Belief Model and containing reminders (written, audio, visual), infographics, video clips, educational content, and 24/7 individual support, was developed for the intervention group; the control group received standard care. The primary outcome was self-reported medication adherence measured using the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Adherence Scale (SEAMS) and pill counting; the secondary outcome was systolic blood pressure (SBP) change. Both outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Technology acceptance feedback was also assessed at the end of the study. A generalized estimating equation was used to control the covariates associated with the probability of affecting adherence to antihypertensive medication.

RESULTS

Of 439 participants, 423 (96.4%) completed the study. At 6 months post intervention, the median SEAMS score was statistically significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the controls (median 32, IQR 11 vs median 21, IQR 6; U=10,490, P<.001). Within the intervention group, there was an increase in the median SEAMS score by 12.5 points between baseline and 6 months (median 19.5, IQR 5 vs median 32, IQR 11; P<.001). Results of the pill-counting method showed an increase in adherent patients in the intervention group compared to the controls (83/220, 37.2% vs 2/219, 0.9%; P<.001), as well as within the intervention group (difference of n=83, 37.2% of patients, baseline vs 6 months; P<.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the SBP of 7 mmHg between the intervention and control groups (P<.001) at 6 months, a 4 mmHg reduction (P<.001) within the intervention group, and a 3 mmHg increase (P=.314) within the controls. Overall, the number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension decreased by 46 in the intervention group (baseline vs 6 months), but the control group remained unchanged. The variables groups (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.714, 95% CI 2.387-3.825), time (AOR 1.837, 95% CI 1.625-2.754), and age (AOR 1.618, 95% CI 0.225-1.699) significantly contributed (P<.001) to medication adherence. Multi-Aid-Package received a 94.8% acceptability score.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel Multi-Aid-Package is an effective mHealth intervention for enhancing medication adherence and treatment outcomes among patients with hypertension in a low- to middle-income country.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04577157; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04577157.

RNA Interference With Zilebesiran for Mild to Moderate Hypertension: The KARDIA-1 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Angiotensinogen is the most upstream precursor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a key pathway in blood pressure (BP) regulation. Zilebesiran, an investigational RNA interference therapeutic, targets hepatic angiotensinogen synthesis.

Objective

To evaluate antihypertensive efficacy and safety of different zilebesiran dosing regimens.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This phase 2, randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study of zilebesiran vs placebo was performed at 78 sites across 4 countries. Screening initiation occurred in July 2021 and the last patient visit of the 6-month study occurred in June 2023. Adults with mild to moderate hypertension, defined as daytime mean ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) of 135 to 160 mm Hg following antihypertensive washout, were randomized.

Interventions

Randomization to 1 of 4 subcutaneous zilebesiran regimens (150, 300, or 600 mg once every 6 months or 300 mg once every 3 months) or placebo (once every 3 months) for 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was between-group difference in least-squares mean (LSM) change from baseline to month 3 in 24-hour mean ambulatory SBP.

Results

Of 394 randomized patients, 377 (302 receiving zilebesiran and 75 receiving placebo) comprised the full analysis set (93 Black patients [24.7%]; 167 [44.3%] women; mean [SD] age, 57 [11] years). At 3 months, 24-hour mean ambulatory SBP changes from baseline were -7.3 mm Hg (95% CI, -10.3 to -4.4) with zilebesiran, 150 mg, once every 6 months; -10.0 mm Hg (95% CI, -12.0 to -7.9) with zilebesiran, 300 mg, once every 3 months or every 6 months; -8.9 mm Hg (95% CI, -11.9 to -6.0) with zilebesiran, 600 mg, once every 6 months; and 6.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.6-9.9) with placebo. LSM differences vs placebo in change from baseline to month 3 were -14.1 mm Hg (95% CI, -19.2 to -9.0; P < .001) with zilebesiran, 150 mg, once every 6 months; -16.7 mm Hg (95% CI, -21.2 to -12.3; P < .001) with zilebesiran, 300 mg, once every 3 months or every 6 months; and -15.7 mm Hg (95% CI, -20.8 to -10.6; P < .001) with zilebesiran, 600 mg, once every 6 months. Over 6 months, 60.9% of patients receiving zilebesiran had adverse events vs 50.7% patients receiving placebo and 3.6% had serious adverse events vs 6.7% receiving placebo. Nonserious drug-related adverse events occurred in 16.9% of zilebesiran-treated patients (principally injection site reactions and mild hyperkalemia) and 8.0% of placebo-treated patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

In adults with mild to moderate hypertension, treatment with zilebesiran across a range of doses at 3-month or 6-month intervals significantly reduced 24-hour mean ambulatory SBP at month 3.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04936035.

The role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in enhancing medication adherence among patients with newly diagnosed hypertension: an analysis of the National Health Insurance cohort database

BACKGROUND

Improving adherence to antihypertensive medication (AHM) is a key challenge in hypertension management. This study aimed to assess the impact of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) on AHM adherence.

METHODS

We utilized the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Among patients newly diagnosed with hypertension who started AHM between July 2010 and December 2013, we compared clinical characteristics and adherence between 28,116 patients who underwent ABPM prior to starting AHM and 118,594 patients who did not undergo ABPM. Good adherence was defined as a proportion of days covered (PDC) of 0.8 or higher.

RESULTS

The total study population was 146,710, with a mean age of 50.5 ± 6.4 years; 44.3% were female. Co-morbidities were noted in 4.2%. About a third of patients (33.1%) showed good adherence. The ABPM group had a notably higher PDC (total PDC: 0.64 ± 0.35 vs. 0.45 ± 0.39; P < 0.001), irrespective of the number of medications, dosing frequency, or prescription duration. After adjusting for significant clinical variables, ABPM was still closely linked with good adherence (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 2.28-2.41; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In newly diagnosed hypertension, undergoing ABPM prior to AHM prescription appears to enhance adherence to AHM. The exact mechanisms driving this association warrant further exploration.

Longitudinal medication adherence group-based trajectories of aging adults in the US: A retrospective analysis using monthly proportion of days covered calculations

BACKGROUND

It is thought that half of the patients with chronic conditions are not adherent to their medications, which contributes to significant health and economic burden. Many studies estimate medication non-adherence by implementing a threshold of ≥80% of Proportion of Days Covered (PDC), categorizing patients as either adherent or non-adherent. Healthcare quality metrics pertaining to medication use are based on this dichotomous approach of medication adherence, including the Medicare Part D Star Ratings. Among others, the Medicare Part D Star Ratings rewards part D plan sponsors with quality bonus payments based on this dichotomous categorization of beneficiaries' medication adherence.

OBJECTIVES

Describe the longitudinal adherence trajectories of adults ≥65 years of age covered by Medicare for 3 classes of drugs in the Part D Star Ratings: diabetes medications, statins, and select antihypertensives.

METHODS

This study used Medicare healthcare administrative claims data linked to participants from the Health Retirement Study between 2008 and 2016. Group-based trajectory models (GBTM) elicited the number and shape of adherence trajectories from a sample of N = 11,068 participants for the three pharmacotherapeutic classes considered in this study. Medication adherence was estimated using monthly PDC.

RESULTS

GBTM were estimated for the sample population taking antihypertensives (n = 7,272), statins (n = 8,221), and diabetes medications (n = 3,214). The hypertension model found three trajectories: high to very high adherence (47.55%), slow decline (32.99%), and rapid decline (19.47%) trajectories. The statins model found 5 trajectories: high to very high adherence (35.49%), slow decline (17.12%), low then increasing adherence (23.58%), moderate decline (12.62%), and rapid decline (11.20%). The diabetes medications model displayed 6 trajectories: high to very high adherence (24.15%), slow decline (16.84%), high then increasing adherence (25.56%), low then increasing (13.58%), moderate decline (10.60%), and rapid decline (9.27%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the fluid nature of long-term medication adherence to the medications considered in the Medicare Part D Star Ratings and how it varies by pharmacotherapeutic class. These challenge previous assumptions about which patients were considered adherent to chronic medications. Policy and methodological implications about medication adherence are discussed.

Adherence to Medications in Patients with Ischaemic Heart Disease in Oman

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to medication among patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in Oman and assess the related factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among patients with IHD attending the outpatient clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, was performed between January and December 2021.

Results

A total of 105 patients (mean age = 49.9 ± 11.1 years, 78.1% male) were recruited. Most of the patients (80%) reported taking the medications by themselves; 77 (73.3%) patients said that over the preceding 2 weeks, they had missed at least 3 doses of their medication. The reasons for missing the medications included forgetting (100%), having to take too many tablets (57%), feeling that the tablets are not effective (48%) and having to take the tablets too often each day (23%). The factors responsible for patients failing to take medications could not be identified.

Conclusion

Medication adherence was low among patients with IHD in Oman, with high pill burden being the most common reason for non-adherence. Physicians must bear this in mind when reviewing patients.

Factors related to medication adherence in patients with hypertension in Iran: a systematic review study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to review the available studies of the factors in Iranian hypertensive patients' adherence to drug treatment.

METHODS

Four Persian databases and seven English databases were searched. The articles, which were published from 2000 to 2022 in Persian and English and examined the adherence to drug treatment in the Iranian population of adults with high blood pressure, were reviewed. Based on the primary examination, 31 of the initial 1062 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The evidence, which was provided by the examined articles, was summarized and discussed using the 5-dimensional framework of adherence to long-term treatments, which was developed by WHO.

RESULTS

The factors that significantly correlated with adherence to drug treatment in the examined studies were: (1) factors that were related to the health team or the health system: patients' satisfaction with their doctor-patient relationship; (2) factors that were related to the conditions: the number of concomitant diseases, high quality of life and the implementation of effective interventions; (3) factors which were related to the treatment: long duration of illness, short intervals between the visits, duration of treatment, lower numbers of drugs, and the patient's blood pressure control; and (4) factors that were related to the patient: self-efficacy, health literacy, social support, locus of control, illness perception, beliefs, attitude, knowledge, and cues to action.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to draw definite conclusions about the factors which affect adherence to drug treatment in patients with high blood pressure because most of the relevant studies have been cross-sectional. Therefore, in the future, valuable results can be obtained by conducting more studies that preferably use objective instruments for assessing adherence to drug treatment.

Knowledge and Awareness of the Relationship Between Heart Failure and Chronic Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Communities in the Aseer Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this study was to assess the awareness among respondents in Aseer, Saudi Arabia, regarding the link between uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and the potential development of heart failure (HF). Furthermore, we examined variations in the knowledge of essential information based on whether participants had a history of HF or HTN.

METHODS

Employing a snowball sampling method, we conducted a prospective online cross-sectional survey targeting adults aged 18 years and above, encompassing both males and females. The survey participants were residents of the Aseer region with access to the internet.

RESULTS

A total of 418 responses were included in the final analysis; 26.8% were aged 45-55 years, 53.8% were males, 69.1% held a university degree, 17.5% were healthcare workers (HCWs), and 26.8% reported having HTN. There was a statistically significant difference between respondents with and without HF regarding knowledge about uncontrolled HTN and its definition. Television and the internet were the most prominent sources of information, with 31.8% and 35.6%, respectively. Of the responders, 50% knew that uncontrolled HTN can lead to HF. Gender differences were significant, with 51.20% of females and 48.80% of males recognizing this link (p = 0.039). HCWs showed higher awareness compared to non-HCWs (70.81% vs. 29.19%, p < 0.001). HF awareness significantly impacted the respondent's knowledge (80.38%, p < 0.001). Those knowledgeable about uncontrolled HTN were more likely to be aware of this connection (60.29% vs. 25.84%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A large sector of the general population did not know that uncontrolled HTN may cause HF, especially those free from both conditions.

Renal Denervation as a Complementary Treatment Option for Uncontrolled Arterial Hypertension: A Situation Assessment

Uncontrolled arterial hypertension is a major global health issue. Catheter-based renal denervation has shown to lower blood pressure in sham-controlled trials and represents a device-based, complementary treatment option for hypertension. In this situation assessment, the authors, who are practicing experts in hypertension, nephrology, general practice and cardiology in the Republic of Ireland, discuss the current evidence base for the BP-lowering efficacy and safety of catheter-based renal denervation with different modalities. Although important questions remain regarding the identification of responders, and long-term efficacy and safety of the intervention, renal denervation has the potential to provide much-needed help to address hypertension and its adverse consequences. The therapeutic approach needs to be multidisciplinary and personalised to take into account the perspective of patients and healthcare professionals in a shared decision-making process.

Zilebesiran, an RNA Interference Therapeutic Agent for Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Angiotensinogen is the sole precursor of angiotensin peptides and has a key role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Zilebesiran, an investigational RNA interference therapeutic agent with a prolonged duration of action, inhibits hepatic angiotensinogen synthesis.

METHODS

In this phase 1 study, patients with hypertension were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either a single ascending subcutaneous dose of zilebesiran (10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg) or placebo and were followed for 24 weeks (Part A). Part B assessed the effect of the 800-mg dose of zilebesiran on blood pressure under low- or high-salt diet conditions, and Part E the effect of that dose when coadministered with irbesartan. End points included safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and the change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring.

RESULTS

Of 107 patients enrolled, 5 had mild, transient injection-site reactions. There were no reports of hypotension, hyperkalemia, or worsening of renal function resulting in medical intervention. In Part A, patients receiving zilebesiran had decreases in serum angiotensinogen levels that were correlated with the administered dose (r = -0.56 at week 8; 95% confidence interval, -0.69 to -0.39). Single doses of zilebesiran (≥200 mg) were associated with decreases in systolic blood pressure (>10 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (>5 mm Hg) by week 8; these changes were consistent throughout the diurnal cycle and were sustained at 24 weeks. Results from Parts B and E were consistent with attenuation of the effect on blood pressure by a high-salt diet and with an augmented effect through coadministration with irbesartan, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose-dependent decreases in serum angiotensinogen levels and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure were sustained for up to 24 weeks after a single subcutaneous dose of zilebesiran of 200 mg or more; mild injection-site reactions were observed. (Funded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03934307; EudraCT number, 2019-000129-39.).

Pre-stroke Adherence to Hypertension Medications in a Bi-racial United States Stroke Belt

INTRODUCTION

Blood pressure is not optimally reduced in 3 of 4 patients with hypertension (HTN) in the United States.

AIM

We analyzed for factors associations with premorbid non-adherence to HTN medications in acute stroke patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 225 acute stroke patients with self-reported adherence to HTM medications in a stroke registry in the Southeastern United States. We defined medication non-adherence as < 90% of prescribed. Logistic regression analyzed demographic and socioeconomic factors for prediction of adherence.

RESULTS

There were 145 (64%) patients with adherence and 80 (36%) with non-adherence. The likelihood of adherence to HTN medications was decreased among black patients, OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.26-0.93), p = 0.03, and those without health insurance, OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.13-0.64), p = 0.002. Specific reasons for non-adherence were high medication cost in 26 (33%), side effects in 8 (10%), and other unspecified reasons in 46 (58%) patients.

CONCLUSION

In this study, adherence to HTN medications was significantly lower among black patients and those without health insurance.

Blood Pressure Association with the 8-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale in Hypertensive Adults from Low-Resource Primary Care Settings: Results from a Prospective Cohort Nested within a Randomised Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

One of the self-report adherence scales most widely used is the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

AIM

To evaluate construct validity and reliability of the MMAS-8 in hypertensive adults from low-resource settings within the public primary care level in Argentina.

METHODS

Prospective data from hypertensive adults under antihypertensive pharmacological treatment that participated in the "Hypertension Control Program in Argentina" study was analyzed. Participants were followed at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Based on MMAS-8, adherence was defined as low (score < 6), medium (score 6 to < 8) and high (score of 8).

RESULTS

1214 participants were included in the analysis. In comparison to low adherence, high adherence category was associated with a reduction of - 5.6 mmHg (CI 95%: - 7.2; - 4.0) in systolic blood pressure (BP) and - 3.2 mmHg (CI 95%: - 4.2; - 2.2) in diastolic BP; and with a 56% higher likelihood to have controlled BP (p < .0001). Among those participants with baseline score ≤ 6, two points increase in MMAS-8 along follow-up showed a tendency to reduce BP in almost all-time points and a 34% higher likelihood of having controlled BP at the end of the follow-up (p = 0.0039). Cronbach's alpha total-item values in all time-points were higher than 0.70.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher MMAS-8 categories were positively associated with BP reduction and higher likelihood of BP control over time. Internal consistency was acceptable and in line with previous studies.

A comparison of methods for the measurement of adherence to antihypertensive multidrug therapy and the clinical consequences: a retrospective cohort study using the Korean nationwide claims database

OBJECTIVES

In observational studies, the methods used to measure medication adherence may affect assessments of the clinical outcomes of drug therapy. This study estimated medication adherence to multidrug therapy in patients with hypertension using different measurement methods and compared their impacts on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database (2006-2015). Adults diagnosed with hypertension who initiated multidrug antihypertensive therapy in the index year 2007 were included. Adherence was defined as over 80% compliance. Adherence to multidrug antihypertensive therapy was measured in 3 ways using the proportion of days covered (PDC) with 2 approaches to the end-date of the study observations: PDC with at least one drug (PDCwith≥1), PDC with a duration weighted mean (PDCwm), and the daily polypharmacy possession ratio (DPPR). The primary clinical outcome was a composite of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease-specific hospitalizations or all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

In total, 4,226 patients who initiated multidrug therapy for hypertension were identified. The mean adherence according to the predefined measurements varied from 72.7% to 79.8%. Non-adherence was associated with an increased risk of a primary outcome. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals, CIs) primary outcomes varied from 1.38 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.59) to 1.44 (95% CI, 1.25 to 1.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-adherence to multidrug antihypertensive therapy was significantly associated with an increased risk of a primary clinical outcome. Across the varying estimates based on different methods, medication adherence levels were similar. These findings may provide evidence to support decision-making when assessing medication adherence.

Reproducibility of blood pressure phenotypes identified by office and ambulatory blood pressure in treated hypertensive patients. Data from the PHYLLIS study

Previous studies have shown that white-coat and masked uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH and MUCH, respectively) are clinical conditions with very poor reproducibility over time. This is also the case for the different nighttime blood pressure (BP) patterns (dipping, nondipping, reverse dipping or extreme dipping). Whether and to what extent the phenomenon might depend on the type of antihypertensive treatment is unknown. In the present study, we addressed this issue by analyzing the data collected in the Plaque Hypertension Lipid-Lowering Italian Study (PHYLLIS), in which office and ambulatory BP were measured three times during an almost 3-year treatment period. The results showed that a limited number of WUCH or MUCH patients at an initial office measurement and 24-h systolic (S) BP measurement maintained the same status at a second set of measurements one or more years later. This was also the case for all dipping patterns, and only a minimal number of patients exhibited the same phenotype throughout all on-treatment SBP measurements. The results were similar for treatment with a thiazide diuretic or an ACE inhibitor and are in line with those of the European Lacidipine Study on Atherosclerosis (ELSA) trial, i.e., the only other available trial with multiple on-treatment office and ambulatory BP measurements, in which patients were treated with a calcium channel blocker or a beta-blocker. All the BP patterns identified in hypertensive patients treated by joint office and ambulatory BP measurements display poor reproducibility, and this is unrelated to the type of antihypertensive treatment used.

Opinions on hypertension care and therapy adherence at the healthcare provider and healthcare system level: a qualitative study in the Hague, Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

Hypertension is a common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although hypertension can be effectively controlled by blood pressure-lowering drugs, uncontrolled blood pressure is common despite use of these medications. One explanation is therapy non-adherence. Therapy non-adherence can be addressed at the individual level, the level of the healthcare provider and at the healthcare system level. Since the latter two levels are often overlooked, we wished to explore facilitators and barriers on each of these levels in relation to hypertension care for people with hypertension, with a specific focus on therapy adherence.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using focus groups of healthcare providers. Data were analysed using the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the behaviour change wheel.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Participants were from a highly urbanised city environment (the Hague, Netherlands), and included nine primary care physicians, six practice nurses and five secondary care physicians involved in hypertension care.

RESULTS

Nine domains on the TDF were found to be relevant at the healthcare provider level ('knowledge', 'physical, cognitive and interpersonal skills', 'memory, attention and decision processes', 'professional, social role and identity', 'optimism', 'beliefs about consequences', 'intention', 'emotion' and 'social influences') and two domains ('resources' and 'goals') were found to be relevant at the system level. Facilitators for these domains were good interpersonal skills, paying attention to behavioural factors such as medication use, and the belief that treatment improves health outcomes. Barriers were related to time, interdisciplinary collaboration, technical and financial issues, availability of blood pressure devices and education of people with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted a need for better collaboration between primary and secondary care, for more team-based care including pharmacists and social workers, tools to improve interpersonal skills and more time for patient-healthcare provider communication.

Factors influencing treatment adherence in hypertension and HIV management in South Africa: A comparative literature review

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HTN) is the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in South Africa (SA), with one in three people over the age of 25 suffering from HTN. Whilst human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are the leading causes of death in South Africa, CVD is in the top 10 causes of death, demonstrating the importance of detecting and controlling blood pressure early on. This study aimed to review adherence factors to antihypertensive medication and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and evaluate the resulting factors influencing adherence discrepancies within the South African population.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was carried out. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane and Embase were searched for English publications between 2000 and 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 50 articles covering quantitative and qualitative studies were included. Many studies identified poor adherence levels to antihypertensive treatment, reaching a substandard adherence rate of 41.9%, whilst most studies on the HIV-positive population reported good levels of adherence, with adherence rates of more than 90%. Being of the male gender, advanced age, low socioeconomic status and a low level of education were associated with unsatisfactory adherence rates in both groups. Within the HIV group, more participants had better knowledge concerning the extent of their disease and its required treatments.

CONCLUSION

The results present substandard adherence levels to antihypertensives compared with antiretroviral (ARV) adherence, despite the influence of more non-adherence factors in the HIV group. The authors recommend better adherence counselling for patients with HTN during every clinic visit, regular healthcare worker training and the implementation of ART adherence programmes in patients with hypertension.

2022 Malaysian Working Group Consensus Statement on Renal Denervation for management of arterial hypertension

Hypertension is highly prevalent and a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In spite of the availability of efficacious, safe and affordable anti-hypertensive drugs, hypertension remains poorly controlled in the majority of hypertensive patients. Various reasons including non-adherence to the anti-hypertensive drugs, account for the poor control. Resistant hypertension is also one of the reasons for poor control of blood pressure (BP). The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has long been recognized as one of the determinants in the pathophysiology of a raised BP. Overactivity of the SNS is a contributor to sustained arterial hypertension. Renal denervation (RDN) is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy to control BP with or without pharmacotherapy. Hence for patients who remain uncontrolled despite all efforts, renal denervation (RDN) is a novel treatment that can potentially improve BP control, hence reducing the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). More recent randomized, sham control trials of RDN have shown that RDN produces a sustained lowering of BP. To date, this lowering of BP through RDN is maintained for at least 3 years. Furthermore, this procedure has been found to be safe. Hence this consensus summarises the science behind RDN and the available clinical data to support the use of this therapy. It is hoped that this consensus will offer guidance on the importance of identifying patients who will benefit most from this therapy. A multidisciplinary team approach in the management of the patient undergoing RDN is recommended.

Effectiveness of renal denervation in the treatment of hypertension: a literature review

BACKGROUND

Catheter-based renal denervation has been studied as a potential therapeutic option to reduce high blood pressure (BP). Preclinical studies in some experimental models have demonstrated an antihypertensive effect of renal denervation but reports from clinical trials have been mixed METHODS: We performed a literature search using combinations of the key terms 'Cardiovascular diseases, Clinical trial, Pre-clinical trials, Resistant hypertension, Renal denervation, Ablation technique, Radiofrequency ablation, Ultrasound ablation, RADIANCE SOLO, SYMPLICITY HTN, SYPRAL HTN'. The databases searched were PubMed and OVID Medline.

RESULTS

The initial SYMPLICITY HTN-1 AND HTN-2 clinical trials reported significant decreases in office BP but results from the more robustly designed SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial, which included sham controls and ambulatory BP monitoring, showed no significant antihypertensive effect. Interest in the use of renal denervation in hypertension was once again sparked by favourable results from the SPYRAL HTN-OFF Med trial CONCLUSION: We provide a thorough, critical analysis of key preclinical and clinical studies investigating the efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation as a treatment for hypertension and highlight future areas for research to allow better translation into clinical practice.

Annual and Post-Exacerbation Follow-Up of Asthma Patients in Clinical Practice – A Large Population-Based Study in Sweden

Background

Symptom control has not improved in Swedish asthma patients during the last two decades. Guidelines recommend annual reviews for asthma patients treated with maintenance inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). We aimed to describe how visit patterns in an ICS-treated asthma population in Sweden were related to applicable asthma guidelines.

Methods

Swedish electronic health data for incident asthma patients, ≥18 years, with at least one ICS collection (index date) between 2006 and 2017 were included. Exacerbations were defined as hospitalizations, emergency visits, or collection of oral corticosteroids (OCS). Probability of an asthma-related regular follow-up visit and probability of a follow-up visit after an exacerbation, both within 15 months, were estimated using the cumulative incidence function, time-to-event analysis, and incident rate ratios.

Results

In 51,349 asthma patients (mean age 47.6 years, 63% females), 17,573 had a regular asthma visit in primary or secondary care within 15 months after the index, yielding an overall probability of a visit of 37.4%. Patients with a follow-up visit had higher ICS collection and lower OCS collection than patients without regular visits. Among 22,097 patients with acute exacerbations, the probability of a visit within 15 months after an exacerbation was 31.0%. The probability of having a visit increased during the study period.

Conclusion

Only one-third of ICS-treated asthma patients, regardless of asthma severity, had a regular or post-exacerbation follow-up visit within a 15-month period. The consequences of this lack of adherence to guidelines need further evaluation to secure optimal asthma management.

Major disparities in patient-reported adherence compared to objective assessment of adherence using mass spectrometry: a prospective study in a tertiary-referral hypertension clinic

AIM

Many challenges exist in determining true rates of adherence to antihypertensive medications among individuals in a clinic setting. For the first time, we aimed to compare patient-reported antihypertensive adherence with objective evidence using mass spectrometry spot urinalysis in a tertiary referral clinic setting.

METHODS

A prospective observational single-centre cohort study was performed in a tertiary referral hypertension clinic, encompassing antihypertensive initiation and persistence. Patients were referred with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension or for suspected secondary causes. Participants completed a self-reported assessment of antihypertensive adherence and provided a spot urine sample. The presence of antihypertensive medications and/or their respective metabolites was evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Patients were determined to be adherent if they demonstrated both self-reported adherence and objective mass spectrometry evidence.

RESULTS

Of all 105 eligible participants initially recruited, 73 (69.5%) met the eligibility criteria. Only 27.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.4) of participants demonstrated true adherence to their self-reported antihypertensives, despite 75.3% (0.6-0.8) reporting adherence. Greatest medication adherence was achieved with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (61%), with calcium-channel blockers and mineralocorticoid antagonists demonstrating least adherence (38%).

CONCLUSION

In patients attending a tertiary hypertension clinic, the combined use of spot urine mass spectrometry and self-reporting identifies higher rates of non-adherence when compared to either modality alone. Both techniques should be combined for more accurate detection of medication adherence.

Socioeconomic impacts on medication adherence among patients with hypertension: A multicentre cross-sectional study in Lombok, Indonesia

Socioeconomic impacts on adherence are understudied, particularly in disadvantaged areas. This study aimed to evaluate socioeconomic factors on medication adherence among patients with hypertension in Lombok, Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in all six public hospital outpatient clinics in Lombok in 2017. Data was obtained using a validated questionnaire to which the Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale (MGLS) questionnaire was used to assess medication adherence. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine independent socioeconomic associations. A total of 693 patients with hypertension were included (response rate 84%). The majority had low adherence (76.2%). Significant independent associations were reported between setting and education with adherence (rural versus urban setting: odds ratio 3.54, p&lt;0.001; primary versus university level education: odds ratio 5.39, p&lt;0.001). Socioeconomic associations provide some basis for the development of patient and population-based interventions to improve adherence among patients with hypertension in Indonesia, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Control: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

The widespread treatment of hypertension and resultant improvement in blood pressure have been major contributors to the dramatic age-specific decline in heart disease and stroke. Despite this progress, a persistent gap remains between stated public health targets and achieved blood pressure control rates. Many factors may be important contributors to the gap between population hypertension control goals and currently observed control levels. Among them is the extent to which patients adhere to prescribed treatment. The goal of this scientific statement is to summarize the current state of knowledge of the contribution of medication nonadherence to the national prevalence of poor blood pressure control, methods for measuring medication adherence and their associated challenges, risk factors for antihypertensive medication nonadherence, and strategies for improving adherence to antihypertensive medications at both the individual and health system levels.

Guide de Pratique Clinique. Prise en charge de l’hypertension artérielle chez l’adulte en Tunisie

Ce document a été réalisé dans le cadre d'une collaboration entre l'Instance Nationale de l’Évaluation et de l'Accréditation en Santé (INEAS), la Société Tunisienne de Cardiologie et de Chirurgie Cardiovasculaire (STCCCV) et la Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie (CNAM).

A Comprehensive 6A Framework for Improving Patient Self-Management of Hypertension Using mHealth Services: Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Background

Hypertension affects over 15% of the world’s population and is a significant global public health and socioeconomic challenge. Mobile health (mHealth) services have been increasingly introduced to support hypertensive patients to improve their self-management behaviors, such as adherence to pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modifications.

Objective

This study aims to explore patients’ perceptions of mHealth services and the mechanisms by which the services support them to self-manage their hypertension.

Methods

A semistructured, in-depth interview study was conducted with 22 outpatients of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from March to May 2019. In 2015, the hospital introduced an mHealth service to support community-dwelling outpatients with self-management of hypertension. Content analysis was conducted by following a grounded theory approach for inductive thematic extraction. Constant comparison and categorization classified the first-level codes with similar meanings into higher-level themes.

Results

The patient-perceived mechanisms by which the mHealth service supported their self-management of hypertension were summarized as 6A: access, assessment, assistance, awareness, ability, and activation. With the portability of mobile phones and digitization of information, the mHealth service provided outpatients with easy access to assess their vital signs and self-management behaviors. The assessment results gave the patients real-time awareness of their health conditions and self-management performance, which activated their self-management behaviors. The mHealth service also gave outpatients access to assistance, which included health education and self-management reminders. Both types of assistance could also be activated by abnormal assessment results, that is, uncontrolled or deteriorating blood pressure values, discomfort symptoms, or not using the service for a long period. With its scalable use to handle any possible information and services, the mHealth service provided outpatients with educational materials to learn at their own pace. This led to an improvement in self-management awareness and ability, again activating their self-management behaviors. The patients would like to see further improvements in the service to provide more useful, personalized information and reliable services.

Conclusions

The mHealth service extended the traditional hypertension care model beyond the hospital and clinician’s office. It provided outpatients with easy access to otherwise inaccessible hypertension management services. This led to process improvement for outpatients to access health assessment and health care assistance and improved their awareness and self-management ability, which activated their hypertension self-management behaviors. Future studies can apply the 6A framework to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of mHealth services for outpatients to self-manage chronic conditions.

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

ABSTRACT

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.

Pharmacokinetic comparison between a fixed-dose combination of fimasartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide 60/10/25 mg and a corresponding loose combination of fimasartan/amlodipine 60/25 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg in healthy subjects

For the treatment of hypertension, fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antihypertensive drugs can provide complementary benefits from improved compliance and cost-effectiveness compared with loose combinations of corresponding drugs. A new FDC of fimasartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide 60/10/25 mg is undergoing clinical development. A randomized, open-label, single-dose, 3-period, 3-sequence, partially replicated crossover phase 1 study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs) between the FDC of fimasartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide 60/10/25 mg and a loose combination of a dual-combination FDC (fimasartan/amlodipine 60/10 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. Sixty healthy subjects were randomized, and 55 subjects completed the study. Serial blood samples were collected, and plasma concentrations of fimasartan, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide were measured to analyze PK parameters. The PK profiles of the FDC were similar to those of the loose combinations. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the FDC to loose combinations for the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the curve until the last measurable time point (AUC_last) were within the conventional bioequivalent range of 0.80 to 1.25. The GMRs and 90% CIs of fimasartan, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide were 1.0163 (0.8681–1.1898), 0.9595 (0.9256–0.9946), and 1.1294 (1.0791–1.1821) for C_max and 1.0167 (0.9347–1.1059), 0.9575 (0.9317–0.9841), and 1.0561 (1.0170–1.0967) for AUC_last, respectively. Both the FDC and loose combinations were well tolerated. In conclusion, the FDC of fimasartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide 60/10/25 mg showed similar PK profiles to those of the corresponding loose combination, and both treatments were well tolerated.

Electrospun fixed dose combination fibers for the treatment of cardiovascular disease

Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) offer an accessible way to simplify complex therapeutic regimens by the simultaneous presentation of multiple drugs in a single entity to the patient. However, encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs into FDCs possess a number of technical challenges. Electrospinning comprises a convenient way to incorporate multiple hydrophobic drugs into a single formulation in a single step, via the use of an appropriate organic solvent system during fabrication. In this study, we report a series of novel fiber formulations comprising ethyl cellulose loaded with two hydrophobic drugs, spironolactone and nifedipine, either individually or in combination. The drugs are found to be present in the fibers in the form of amorphous solid dispersions, and these are stable at room temperature for 4 months. The products showed extended release profiles over more than 30 h. This formulation strategy offers potential to manage chronic cardiovascular conditions and overcome patient related non-adherence by providing a simplified treatment model.

Relationship of an adherence score with blood pressure control status among patients with hypertension and their determinants: Findings from a nationwide blood pressure screening program

This study aimed to examine the relationship of adherence with blood pressure (BP) control and its associated factors in hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional nationwide BP screening study was conducted in Malaysia from May to October 2018. Participants with self-declared hypertension completed the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (Hill-Bone CHBPTS) which assesses three important domains of patient behavior to hypertension management namely medication taking, appointment keeping and reduced salt intake. Lower scores indicate better compliance while higher scores indicate otherwise. Participant's body mass index and seated BP were measured based on standard measurement protocol. Determinants of adherence to treatment were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Out of 5167 screened subjects, 1705 were known hypertensives. Of these, 927 (54.4%) answered the Hill-Bone CHBPTS and were entered into analysis. The mean age was 59.0 ± 13.2 years, 55.6% were female and 42.2% were Malays. The mean Hill-Bone CHBPTS score was 20.4 ± 4.4 (range 14-47), and 52.1% had good adherence. The mean systolic BP and diastolic BP were 136.4 ± 17.9 and 80.6 ± 11.6 mmHg, respectively. BP was controlled in 58.3% of those with good adherence compared to 50.2% in those with poor adherence (p = .014). Based on multiple linear regression analysis, female gender (β = -0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.30, -0.15, p = .014), older age (β = -0.05, 95% CI -0.07, -0.03, p < .001), and individuals with primary or lower educational level (β = -0.91, 95% CI -1.59, -0.23, p = .009) had better adherence to BP management. Interventional programs targeted at the less adherent groups are needed in order to improve their adherence and BP control.

Association of Perceived Stress and Discrimination on Medication Adherence among Diverse Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension

Background

Uncontrolled hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the United States, many patients remain uncontrolled, in part, due to poor medication adherence. Efforts to improve hypertension control include not only attending to medical management of the disease but also the social determinants of health, which impact medication adherence, and ultimately blood pressure control.

Purpose

To determine which social determinants - health care access or community and social stressors - explain medication adherence.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis, we used baseline data (N=1820, collected August 2017 to October 2019) from a pragmatic trial, which compares the effectiveness of a multi-level intervention including collaborative care and a stepped approach with enhanced standard of care for improving blood pressure. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the association between patient experiences of care and community and social stressors with medication adherence.

Results

The participants represented a diverse sample: mean age of 60 years; 59% female; 57.3% Black, 9.6% Hispanic, and 33.2% White. All participants had a blood pressure reading ≥140/90 mm Hg (mean blood pressure - 152/85 mm Hg). Half of the participants reported some level of non-adherence to medication. Regression analysis showed that, compared with Whites, Blacks (AOR .47; 95% CIs: .37-.60, P<.001) and Hispanics (AOR .48; 95% CIs: .32- .73, P<.001) were less likely to report medication adherence. Also part-time workers (AOR .57; 95% CIs: .38-.86, P<.05), and those who reported greater perceived stress (AOR .94; 95% CIs: .91 - .98, P<.001) and everyday discrimination (AOR .73; 95% CIs: .59 - .89; P<.001) had lower odds of medication adherence. Among Blacks, greater perceived stress (AOR .93; 95% CIs: .88-.98, P<.001) and everyday discrimination (AOR .63; 95% CIs: .49 - .82, P<.005) were negatively associated with medication adherence. Among Hispanics, greater report of everyday discrimination (AOR .36; 95% CIs: .14 - .89, P<.005) was associated with lower odds of medication adherence. Among Whites, the negative effect of perceived stress on medication adherence was attenuated by emotional support.

Conclusions

Using the social determinants of health framework, we identified associations between stress, everyday discrimination and medication adherence among non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics that were independent of health status and other social determinants. Programs to enhance self-management for African American and Hispanic patients with uncontrolled blood pressure should include a specific focus on addressing social stressors.

Compliance to hypertensive prescribing guidelines and blood pressure control in elderly patients in Namibia: findings and implications

Objective

Resources-limited countries in sub-Saharan Africa are facing a crisis of hypertensive-related morbidity, mainly due to poor blood pressure (BP) control. The study aimed to evaluate BP control and hypertensive prescribing for elderly patients in a resource-limited setting.

Methods

Hospital-based survey assessing hypertensive prescribing practices among elderly patients (age, ≥60years) at a leading ambulatory care clinic in Namibia. The primary and secondary outcomes were compliance with prescribing guidelines, prescribing patterns and BP control respectively. Data were collected using patient exit interviews and a review of their prescription records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics using SPSS v25.

Key findings

Of the 189 elderly patients recruited, 69.3% were females, mean age was 70.3 ± 8.5 years and 2.6% had HIV. 61.4% of the prescriptions complied with the prescribing guidelines in terms of treatment choice and 78.3% (n = 148) had a poor BP control. 61.4% had at least one comorbidity, mainly diabetes mellitus (32.2%) or cardiac disease (20%). On average, 4.5 medicines were prescribed per patient and 4.8% were out of stock. Prevalence of non-INN prescribing was 64%. Diuretics, renin-angiotensin inhibitors were the most prescribed antihypertensive, 73.9% (n = 138/189) and 51.9% (n = 98/189) respectively. 90% of patients with good BP control were on ≥3 medicines compared to 77% for patients with poor BP controlled.

Conclusion

Whilst compliance with prescribing guidelines is modest, the sub-optimal BP control, high prevalence of co-morbidities and over prescribing with non-INN products is discouraging. Pharmacist-led medication audits could improve hypertensive prescribing and BP control among elderly patients, and we will be following this up

Prevalence and inequality in persistent undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled hypertension: Evidence from a cohort of older Mexicans

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and substantial gaps in diagnosis, treatment and control signal failure to avert premature deaths. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence and assess the socioeconomic distribution of hypertension that remained undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled for at least five years among older Mexicans and to estimate rates of transition from those states to diagnosis, treatment and control. We used data from a cohort of Mexicans aged 50+ in two waves of the WHO Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) collected in 2009 and 2014. Blood pressure was measured, hypertension diagnosis and treatment self-reported. We estimated prevalence and transition rates over five years and calculated concentration indices to identify socioeconomic inequalities using a wealth index. Using probit models, we identify characteristics of those facing the greatest barriers in receiving hypertension care. More than 60 percent of individuals with full item response (N = 945) were classified as hypertensive. Over one third of those undiagnosed continued to be in that state five years later. More than two fifths of those initially untreated remained so, and over three fifths of those initially uncontrolled failed to achieve continued blood pressure control. While being classified as hypertensive was more concentrated among the rich, missing diagnosis, treatment and control were more prevalent among the poor. Men, singles, rural dwellers, uninsured, and those with overweight were more likely to have persistent undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled hypertension. There is room for improvement in both hypertension diagnosis and treatment in Mexico. Clinical and public health attention is required, even for those who initially had their hypertension controlled. To ensure more equitable hypertension care and effectively prevent premature deaths, increased diagnosis and long-term treatment efforts should especially be directed towards men, singles, uninsured, and those with overweight.

A novel angiotensin II peptide vaccine without an adjuvant in mice

OBJECTIVES

We recently developed a novel peptide, AJP001, that possesses both a mouse T-cell epitope and adjuvant action. Direct conjugation to the antigen is useful for peptide vaccines without the addition of adjuvants. In this study, the efficacy of an angiotensin (Ang) II and AJP001-conjugated peptide vaccine (AJ-Ang II) was evaluated in mice.

METHODS

The anti-Ang II antibody titer was measured in Balb/C mice following three injections of AJ-Ang II at 2-week intervals. SBP was measured during vaccination of Balb/C mice treated with Ang II infusion (1 μg/kg per min).

RESULTS

AJ-Ang II treatment resulted in an increase in the anti-Ang II antibody titer in a dose-dependent manner without the addition of adjuvants. In the analysis of the humoral immune response, AJ-Ang II mainly elicited IgG1 antibodies and IL-4 and IL-10 production, as measured by an enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot assay, which suggests the induction of a Th2 response. Importantly, cotreatment with purified antibodies attenuated Ang II-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. The SBP in immunized mice was significantly lower than that in nonimmunized mice (135.9 ± 8.5 vs. 154.9 ± 16.8 mmHg, P = 0.02). Furthermore, Ang II-induced perivascular fibrosis in the heart was significantly attenuated in immunized mice, which also exhibited decreased mRNA expression of collagen I/III and transforming growth factor-β.

CONCLUSION

AJ-Ang II may be a simple and useful therapeutic peptide vaccine without the addition of any adjuvants.

Awareness of Physicians in Yemen Toward High Blood Pressure Management According to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) Guideline

Background

Hypertension is a common public health problem that impacts more than one-third of the world population. Awareness of physicians towards the guidelines of high blood pressure management is an essential step to reduce the consequences of high blood pressure.

Objective

This study was aimed to assess the awareness of physicians towards high blood pressure treatment according to the recent report of the Joint National Committee (JNC8) guideline.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 physicians during the period from February to April 2017. Physicians were recruited from public and private hospitals as well as clinics. A validated questionnaire that incorporated the changes seen in JNC 8, as well as the specific modality of hypertension management based on other guidelines, was administered to the participating physicians.

Results

Three hundred and eighty-nine physicians completed the questionnaire; with all the interviewed physicians have ever heard about JNC 8. The practice of general practitioners (GPs) was significantly deviated from the recommended guideline of blood pressure management as compared to consultants, specialists, and residents. Additionally, certain variations were found among consultants, specialists, and residents with slight superiority of consultants towards most aspects.

Conclusion

The finding of this study highlights an inadequate knowledge of GPs in Yemen towards high blood pressure management guidelines. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity for continuous medical education programs that are specially designed to target GPs. Continued update of medical curricula in Yemeni universities is also needed.

Associations of Systolic Blood Pressure With Incident CKD G3-G5: A Cohort Study of South Korean Adults

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Clinical practice guidelines recommend a target blood pressure (BP)<130/80 mm Hg to reduce cardiovascular risk. However, the optimal BP to prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

10.5 million adults who participated in the National Health Insurance Service National Health Checkup Program in South Korea between 2009 and 2015 and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² at the beginning of follow-up.

PREDICTORS

Baseline and time-updated systolic BP (SBP) as a continuous variable and categorized as<110, 110 to 119, 120 to 129, 130 to 139, or≥140 mm Hg.

OUTCOME

Incident CKD GFR categories 3 to 5 (CKD G3-G5), defined as de novo development of estimated GFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m² for at least 2 consecutive assessments confirmed at least 90 days apart.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Cox proportional hazards regression for baseline BP and marginal structural analysis for time-updated BP.

RESULTS

During 49,169,311 person-years of follow-up, incident CKD G3-G5 developed in 172,423 (1.64%) individuals with a crude event rate of 3.51 (95% CI, 3.49-3.52) per 1,000 person-years. Compared to a baseline SBP of 120 to 129 mm Hg, HRs for incident CKD G3-G5 for the<110, 110 to 119, 130 to 139, and≥140 mm Hg categories were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.82-0.85), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.91-0.94), 1.11 (95% CI, 1.09-1.12), and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.28-1.31), respectively. For time-updated SBPs, corresponding HRs were 0.57 (95% CI, 0.56-0.59), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.78-0.80), 1.58 (95% CI, 1.55-1.60), and 2.49 (95% CI, 2.45-2.53), respectively. Treated as a continuous exposure, each 10-mm Hg higher SBP was associated with 35% higher risk for incident CKD G3-G5 (95% CI, 1.35-1.36).

LIMITATIONS

Use of International Classification of Diseases codes to assess comorbid condition burden; residual confounding, and potential selection bias cannot be excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large national cohort study, higher SBPs were associated with higher risk for incident CKD G3-G5. These findings support evaluation of SBP-lowering strategies to reduce the development of CKD.

Adherence in Hypertension

The global epidemic of hypertension is largely uncontrolled and hypertension remains the leading cause of noncommunicable disease deaths worldwide. Suboptimal adherence, which includes failure to initiate pharmacotherapy, to take medications as often as prescribed, and to persist on therapy long-term, is a well-recognized factor contributing to the poor control of blood pressure in hypertension. Several categories of factors including demographic, socioeconomic, concomitant medical-behavioral conditions, therapy-related, healthcare team and system-related factors, and patient factors are associated with nonadherence. Understanding the categories of factors contributing to nonadherence is useful in managing nonadherence. In patients at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular outcomes, electronic and biochemical monitoring are useful for detecting nonadherence and for improving adherence. Increasing the availability and affordability of these more precise measures of adherence represent a future opportunity to realize more of the proven benefits of evidence-based medications. In the absence of new antihypertensive drugs, it is important that healthcare providers focus their attention on how to do better with the drugs they have. This is the reason why recent guidelines have emphasize the important need to address drug adherence as a major issue in hypertension management.

Uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2018

Background

Despite the availability and improvement in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions with proven benefits in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, control rates of hypertension remain poor and grossly inadequate. Around one billion individuals are living with uncontrolled hypertension globally. Uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive patients on treatment in Ethiopia ranges from 11.4 to 69.9%. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive patients in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia 2018.

Methods and materials

Hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 16–April 30/2018. Simple random sampling method was used to select 320 participants. Data was collected using interviewer administered standard structured questionnaire. Self-care practice measuring tool was adopted from hypertension self-care activity level effects (H-scale). Data was entered to and cleaned by Epi Info version 7 and it was exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model (AOR, 95% CI and p-value < 0.05) was used to determine the predictors of uncontrolled hypertension.

Result

From the total respondents, 164 (51.2%) were females. The mean age of the respondents was 53.83 + 14.52 years. Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was found 52.5%. Overweight (AOR = 4.527, 95% CI: 2.247–9.123), co-morbidity (AOR = 2.112, 95% CI: 1.218–3.662), non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medication (AOR = 2.062, 95% CI: 1.030–4.129), non-adherence to physical activity (AOR = 1.931, 95% CI: 1.074–3.470) and non-adherence to alcohol abstinence (AOR = 2.093, 95% CI: 1.109–3.948) are independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension.

Conclusion

the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension is high. Patients’ adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical exercise and alcohol abstinence should be maximized. Weight reduction and early identification and management of co-morbidities are also crucial.

Development and application of a LC-HRMS/MS method for analyzing antihypertensive drugs in oral fluid for monitoring drug adherence

Nonadherence to antihypertensive drugs therapy is known to be a serious issue in hypertension treatment. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) was shown to allow the assessment of such nonadherence in blood and urine sample. However, their sampling may represent a logistical challenge and are often not favored by the patients. We questioned whether oral fluid (OF) might be an easier accessible alternative matrix for adherence monitoring of cardiovascular drugs (CD). A qualitative method for adherence monitoring of 78 commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs in OF using LC high-resolution MS (LC-HRMS/MS) was therefore developed, validated, and used to study the presence of antihypertensive medication in OF. Selectivity, ion suppression and enhancement due coeluting analytes, carry over, limits of detection (LOD), limits of identification (LOI), recovery (RE), matrix effects (ME), and process efficiency (PE) were investigated. For demonstrating applicability, over 50 OF samples were investigated and data were compared to findings in blood and urine. Selectivity in OF was given for all compounds via their MS² spectra and no total suppression of signals could be observed. Determined LOI in OF for ten analytes was higher than the given therapeutic plasma concentration. Furthermore, RE, ME, and PE were in acceptable ranges for more than 65% of the compounds. In total, 208 prescriptions of CD to 57 patients were analyzed and demonstrated the suitability of for adherence monitoring in principle. OF was comparable to plasma regarding the drug categories and the frequencies of hits, except for acidic compounds but more hits could be found in urine samples. A analytical method using OF as analytical matrix was successfully developed. Application showed that it might be a suitable alternative for adherence monitoring of selected drugs in the future, particularly those having no acidic function.

Effect of social support on the treatment adherence of hypertension patients

This descriptive study was conducted to determine the effect of social support on drug treatment adherence in patients with hypertension. The sample of this study consisted of 259 patients who met the research criteria, agreed to participate in the research, and admitted to the cardiology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey between January and June 2017. Data were collected by "Patient Information Form", "Adherence to Drug Treatment Self-Efficacy Scale", and "Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale". It was determined that 48.3% of the patients participating in the study were in the 61-75 age group, 58.7% were female, 91.9% were married, and 66.4% were living in the city. It was also found that 71% of the patients had at least one relative or person with hypertension in the family, 79.2% were using at least one blood pressure medication, 61% adhered to his/her diet, and 72.2% adhered to the disease. The average score of the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale was calculated as 64.24 ± 16.89, whereas the total score average of the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale was calculated as 53.74 ± 23.30. Besides, a statistically significant positive correlation was found among Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale score average, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale total score, and all subgroup score averages (P = .000).In conclusion, in this study, treatment adherence and social support levels of the patients were found to be substantially good; besides, adherence to drug treatment was found to increase positively as the social support of patients with hypertension increase.

Determinants of Uncontrolled Hypertension in Rural Communities in South Asia-Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is a leading risk factor for death and disability in South Asia. We aimed to determine the cross-country variation, and the factors associated with uncontrolled BP among adults treated for hypertension in rural South Asia.

METHODS

We enrolled 1,718 individuals aged ≥40 years treated for hypertension in a cross-sectional study from rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with uncontrolled BP (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg).

RESULTS

Among hypertensive individuals, 58.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 55.7, 60.4) had uncontrolled BP: 52.8% (49.0, 56.6) in Bangladesh, 70.6% (65.7, 75.1) in Pakistan, and 56.5% (52.7, 60.1) in Sri Lanka. The odds (odds ratio (95% CI)) of uncontrolled BP were significantly higher in individuals with lower wealth index (1.17 (1.02, 1.35)); single vs. married (1.46 (1.10, 1.93)); higher log urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (1.41 (1.24, 1.60)); lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (1.23 (1.01, 1.49)); low vs. high adherence to antihypertensive medication (1.50 (1.16, 1.94)); and Pakistan (2.91 (1.60, 5.28)) vs. Sri Lanka. However, the odds were lower in those with vs. without self-reported kidney disease (0.51 (0.28, 0.91)); and receiving vs. not receiving statins (0.62 (0.44, 0.87)).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of individuals with treated hypertension have uncontrolled BP in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka with significant disparities among and within countries. Urgent public health efforts are needed to improve access and adherence to antihypertensive medications in disadvantaged populations in rural South Asia.

Factors affecting self-reported medication adherence and hypertension knowledge: A cross-sectional study in rural villages, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Objectives This study assessed medication adherence and hypertension knowledge, and their predictive factors, in people with hypertension, living in rural communities in Indonesia. Methods Data were acquired from 384 people living in eight rural villages via a researcher-administered questionnaire, a validated adherence scale, and a standardized hypertension knowledge survey. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the predictors of adherence and knowledge. Results Fifty-nine (15%) participants had good hypertension knowledge (score ≥ 8 out of 10). Compared to participants with poor knowledge, these participants had higher formal education (odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.5-4.7), and lived closer to a community health center (odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-3.3). Knowledge gaps about the need for long-term medication, hypertension complications, and the target blood pressure were identified. Good hypertension knowledge predicted good adherence to medication (odds ratio = 7.1, 95% confidence interval = 3.3-15.2). Only 42 (11%) participants were considered to have good adherence. Reasons for intentional nonadherence were beliefs that medicines should be taken only when symptoms are evident, limited access to healthcare services, and a preference using traditional medicines. Conclusion Strategies for addressing knowledge gaps and misconceptions about hypertension medication are needed, particularly for people with a low educational level and those living some distances from healthcare facilities.

Questionnaire Survey From the Viewpoint of Concordance in Patient and Physician Satisfaction Concerning Hypertensive Treatment in Elderly Patients - Patients Voice Study

BACKGROUND

Patient-physician concordance is an important concern in the treatment of elderly patients with hypertension (HT). Treatment that considers concordance is necessary for mutual understanding and therapeutic satisfaction between patients and physicians. However, there have been no studies addressing concordance that objectively analyzed both patient and physician satisfaction before and after treatment.Methods and Results:An exploratory open-label, multicenter, intervention study was conducted. Patients with HT undergoing treatment with angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) or a calcium-channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy were enrolled. Medication was switched to an ARB/CCB combination tablet and taken for 12 weeks. Physicians and patients participated in satisfaction surveys concerning treatment. Discrepancies in satisfaction levels between patients and physicians were found at baseline for the following survey items: treatment, involvement in treatment, understanding of HT, reliance, medication, and blood pressure. After treatment, the satisfaction levels of both patients and physicians increased; discrepancies in satisfaction between the groups also improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of satisfaction were relatively higher for patients compared with physicians at baseline. After HT treatment addressing concordance, both patient and physician satisfaction rates and the gap in satisfaction rates between patients and physicians improved. This indicates that addressing concordance has clinical significance in the treatment of elderly HT patients. (UMIN000017270).

Minoxidil for Treatment of Resistant Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease--A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Resistant hypertension is still a challenge and reserve antihypertensive agents are often necessary to achieve blood pressure control. One reserve antihypertensive is minoxidil, a direct vasodilator that is known for its strong blood pressure-lowering effect, but contemporary studies are sparse. The authors retrospectively analyzed 54 inpatients with uncontrolled hypertension despite the combined use of current antihypertensive agents. To investigate the effect of minoxidil when added to other antihypertensive agents, blood pressure was evaluated at the time minoxidil treatment was initiated and at discharge. Minoxidil treatment was associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure from 162.4±15.1/83.2±12.7 mm Hg to 135.8±12.2/72.8±6.9 mm Hg (P<.0001). This effect was sustained across all analyzed subgroups. Although the well-known adverse events of minoxidil limit its widespread use, these data show that minoxidil as a reserve antihypertensive agent still has a niche indication in the particular subgroup of patients with treatment-resistant or uncontrolled hypertension.

Midlife blood pressure predicts future diastolic dysfunction independently of blood pressure

OBJECTIVES

High blood pressure (BP) is associated with diastolic dysfunction, but the consequence of elevated BP over the adult life course on diastolic function is unknown. We hypothesised that high BP in earlier adulthood would be associated with impaired diastolic function independent of current BP.

METHODS

Participants in the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development birth cohort (n=1653) underwent investigations including echocardiography at age 60-64 years. The relationships between adult BP, antihypertensive treatment (HTT) and echocardiographic measures of diastolic function were assessed using adjusted regression models.

RESULTS

Increased systolic BP (SBP) at ages 36, 43 and 53 years was predictive of increased E/e' and increased left atrial volume. These effects were only partially explained by SBP at 60-64 years and increased left ventricular mass. HTT was also associated with poorer diastolic function after adjustment for SBP at 60-64 years. Faster rates of increase in SBP in midlife were also associated with increased poorer diastolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

High SBP in midlife is associated with poorer diastolic function at age 60-64 years. Early identification of individuals with high BP or rapid rises in BP may be important for prevention of impaired cardiac function in later life.