ABSTRACT
Despite the well-known beneficial effects of lowering high blood pressure (BP), an important contributor to overall cardiovascular risk, the control of hypertension is far from being optimal, not only in the developing world but also in developed countries (1-3). Even in randomised controlled trials, where patient’s motivation and physician expertise are ensured, it has been difficult to achieve optimal BP, despite the significant difference in the observed response rates (4). Among the several factors responsible for suboptimal control rates in hypertension, patient adherence, i.e., patient compliance, and persistence to treatment play crucial roles in achieving target BP values (5,6). Not surprisingly, the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) has identified poor medication-taking behavior (specifically, adherence) as one of the main causes of failure to control BP in patients with hypertension (7). It is not only enough that patients take their medications regularly, but also continue to do so in the long-term in chronic diseases, such as hypertension, to avoid cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
