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Hypertension and Drug Adherence in the Elderly
Michel Burnier1,2, Erietta Polychronopoulou1, Gregoire Wuerzner1,2
1Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|April 23, 2020
Summary
Drug adherence in older adults with hypertension is better than in younger patients, but increases in those over 80. Addressing cognitive ability, inappropriate medications, and deprescribing can improve adherence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension affects over 60% of individuals over 65.
- Treating hypertension in the elderly has a positive benefit/risk ratio.
- Drug non-adherence is a significant challenge in long-term hypertension management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review drug adherence in elderly hypertensive patients.
- To determine if adherence is lower in older versus younger patients.
- To identify factors influencing adherence in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials and studies on drug adherence in hypertension.
- Analysis of adherence rates across different age groups ( <50, 65-80, >80).
- Identification of risk factors for non-adherence in the elderly.
Main Results:
- Adherence is better in patients aged 65-80 compared to younger patients (<50).
- Non-adherence prevalence increases in very old patients (>80).
- Specific risk factors in the very old include cognitive ability, depression, and health beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Adherence in elderly hypertensive patients is complex and age-dependent.
- Strategies to improve adherence include evaluating cognitive function and deprescribing.
- Optimizing medication regimens and addressing specific elderly needs are crucial for hypertension management.
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