Compliance and fixed-dose combination therapy.
Despite data on the importance of blood pressure control in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, only 34% of hypertensive patients have their blood pressure under control. The National Council on Patient Information and Education has estimated that the compliance rate is just over 30% for chronic conditions like hypertension. Polypharmacy and complex treatment regimens have been identified as important, modifiable risk factors for medication noncompliance. Fixed-dose combination regimens are attractive options because of the improved antihypertensive efficacy resulting from the dual mechanistic action of components targeting different effector mechanisms. One drug in the fixed-dose combination may negate an adverse effect of the other medication. Above all, fixed-dose combination therapy reduces pill burden and improves medication compliance, which can translate into better cardiovascular outcomes. Fixed-dose combinations should be used routinely for the management of hypertension and should also be considered when initiating therapy for patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.
Bangalore
Sripal
S
Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1000 Tenth Avenue, Suite 3B-30, New York, NY 10025, USA.
Shahane
Anupama
A
Parkar
Sanobar
S
Messerli
Franz H
FH
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012307:Risk Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations