Hypertension from the patient’s perspective

Abstract

Out of HoursTREATING HYPERTENSION Every day, countless prescriptions are signed for antihypertensive medications, many of which are never taken.When managing hypertension we demand a lot from our patients: lifestyle changes that can be difficult and disruptive; and, if necessary, regular use of antihypertensive medication.These come with risks and many patients struggle to remember to take their tablets as prescribed.Hypertension is a largely silent condition and treatment aims to reduce the risks of future diseases, in particular strokes, ischaemic heart disease, and renal failure, rather than to reduce current suffering.It is perhaps not surprising, then, that studies tend to find very poor levels of patient compliance with antihypertensive medication regimes. 1,2This is because patients do not have debilitating symptoms as a motivator to comply, nor the reward of relief of suffering to encourage continued adherence.In order to motivate patients to comply, and to ensure that they use the medications appropriately and with informed consent, we must ensure they understand the potential benefits (and risks) of treating hypertension.