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Warnings From Not Taking Blood Pressure Medication
Every day, millions of people with chronic diseases miss their best chance to control their conditions and improve their health
Date: 10/9/2016 7:45:15 AM ( 8 y ) ... viewed 727 times
This study followed more than 73,500 patients with high blood pressure for 10 years, tracking which patients took their medication as prescribed and which took them improperly or not at all. After 10 years, researchers found that poorer medication adherence increased stroke risk in both the short- and long-term. Over the 10-year period, patients failing to adhere to blood pressure lowering medications were 3-7 times more likely to suffer a stroke than patients adhering to medications, depending on the combination of prescribed medications. And during the year in which patients suffered a stroke, their stroke risk was nearly six times greater if they did not properly adhere to medications. Simply put, the poorer the adherence to medication, the greater the risk of stroke for patients with high blood pressure.
This study highlights the importance of medication adherence for patients with high blood pressure. Blood pressure medications are one of the best weapons against hypertension and when taken properly, can help control blood pressure levels and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. However, medications can only do their job when taken correctly, which means taking the proper dose of medication at the right time and in the right way for as long as you’re supposed to. Failing to adhere to medication can not only render the drug ineffective, it can be dangerous and pose a threat to your health. Perhaps the rest of your life. Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment do your part starting today for yourself and for those you love. Listen to your doctor, read the sound medical information on this site, and act on the information to live a heart-healthier life. Don't wait for a serious health event to remind you to take your medicine! Instead, make a plan. If needed, fill a weekly medication dispenser and take your prescriptions at the same time every day, using an alarm if it helps. As you adjust to the new routine, you will see your numbers go down. Remind yourself that by managing your blood pressure, you are lowering your risk of heart attack and peripheral artery disease, stroke and kidney disease. Death rates from these diseases have decreased significantly, thanks in part to earlier and better treatment of HBP.
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