Must Be Vigilant with Hypertension

 May is hypertension awareness month and an 
appropriate time to address medication adherence with this condition.  
Hypertension is the term for what is commonly known as high-blood pressure.  
Consistent high-blood pressure over time can put considerable stress on the 
cardiovascular system and put one at much higher risk for stroke and heart 
attack.  As many as 70% of strokes in the US can be attributed at least in part 
to hypertension making this the single most controllable risk factor in stroke. 

  Hypertension is often referred to as the 'silent killer'.  The condition gets 
this moniker because most people can walk around seemingly quite healthy until a 
heart attack or stroke fells them.  This is also perhaps one of the prime 
reasons that medication adherence is quite low overall in patients being treated 
for hypertension.  

If a patient goes to the ER and is given a  prescription for an antibiotic this is filled 90% of the time.  For hypertension 
and diabetes prescriptions this falls to about 75% or lower.  At least 1 out 4 
prescriptions for hypertension are never even filled once.  Is it that they do 
not think this is a serious condition?  I think most people know at least a 
little about the dangers of hypertension but since this is a long term problem 
it can be hard to focus on it or feel a sense of urgency to treat.  It is hard 
to think long term and we tend to look at short term issues and consider them a 
higher priority. Just plain forgetting to refill the medication is probably a 
factor. Long term medication adherence is very poor as well.   After 6 months 
50% stop taking their medication regularly.  That's a pretty off putting number. 
  As a pharmacist, anecdotally,  it's probably not far from what I see on a
  regular basis. 

  Here are a few tips in managing your
  hypertension.

 -Get a pill reminder system.  These come in many 
shapes and sizes for your needs, and prefill a week at a time.  As you are 
setting out the last week call the pharmacy for a refill.

 -Utilize available technology.  There are 
medication reminder apps for Apple or Droid systems that can remind you on a 
daily basis when to take your dose.  Also many pharmacies have a auto refill 
program that will keep up with the routine refills for you.

 -Monitor your own blood pressure.  An automatic 
blood pressure cuff is very important to have and use daily.  Omron is 
considered a very reliable machine but many exist.  You can bring the machine in 
with you and have the doctor check the accuracy against their own.  Keeping a 
daily log of blood pressure will assist your physician in treating you.  If they 
only have the one blood pressure reading that was taken at the office, the
  physician will only see a snap shot of what's going on.

 -Regular exercise is a great way to reduce blood 
pressure even if it is just going out for walks.

 -Do not get discouraged if it takes multiple 
medications to get your blood pressure under control.  There are several 
different classes of hypertension medication working differently but together to 
reduce your blood pressure.  

  -If adverse effects are preventing you from 
filling your meds tell your doctor or pharmacist.  Again there are many 
medications out there that may be a better fit for you.

 In a closing note, the medications that are 
prescribed are not just treating a number (your blood pressure) but have been 
proven to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.  If you don't take your 
medicine it can't help you to reduce this risk.  Any questions or concerns have 
a conversation with your doctor or phamacist.   

Cheers

Steven Jensen PharmD. owns and operates Jensen's Community Pharmacy in The Oaks plaza off of Michigan Ave. 

Add us on Facebook and receive weekly promotions! www.facebook.com/jensenscommunityrx