Practical approaches to promote adherence and improve blood pressure control in black patients

Patient adherence to recommended therapy is a key factor in addressing the disparities in blood pressure control rates and hypertension-related complications between blacks and whites. Poor adherence to long-term therapy results in failure to achieve blood pressure targets, exacerbations of disease, increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits, adverse health outcomes, and increased preventable health care costs. Developing strategies to increase adherence, and ultimately improve blood pressure control rates and outcomes, requires an understanding of the complex interplay of the behavioral factors and belief systems that effect how patients interact with the health care system.