Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Improved Home Blood Pressure Control by CT-guided Ozone-mediated Renal Denervation for Patients with Resistant Hypertension
04:37

Improved Home Blood Pressure Control by CT-guided Ozone-mediated Renal Denervation for Patients with Resistant Hypertension

Published on: June 6, 2025

Impact of antihypertensive medication adherence on blood pressure control in hypertension: the COMFORT study

K Matsumura1, H Arima, M Tominaga

  • 1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. matsumk@intmed2.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp.

QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|May 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Poor adherence to blood pressure medication is linked to worse hypertension control. This study found that patients with low adherence had significantly higher blood pressure readings compared to those with moderate or high adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The impact of antihypertensive medication adherence on blood pressure (BP) control in hypertension remains incompletely understood.
  • Effective BP management is crucial for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between adherence to antihypertensive drug regimens and BP control.
  • Utilized data from the Combination Pill of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide for Improvement of Medication Compliance Trial (COMFORT) study.

Main Methods:

  • Observational analysis derived from a randomized controlled trial.
  • 203 hypertensive subjects were randomized to receive either a combination pill (losartan/hydrochlorothiazide) or two separate pills.
  • Medication adherence was assessed via pill counts and BP measurements at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Main Results:

  • Subjects were categorized into low (<90%), moderate (90-99%), and high (100%) adherence groups.
  • No significant differences in clinical characteristics were observed among the groups.
  • Adjusted 6-month follow-up BPs were significantly higher in the low-adherence group (135/78 mmHg) compared to moderate (128/74 mmHg) and high-adherence (130/74 mmHg) groups.

Conclusions:

  • Low adherence to antihypertensive medication regimens is associated with inadequate blood pressure control.
  • Improving medication adherence may be a key strategy for enhancing hypertension management.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring01:25

Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...