Why we still don’t achieve blood pressure targets

Czech version

Authors: Vladimír Tuka; Aleš Linhart
Authors‘ workplace: 2. interní klinika – klinika kardiologie a angiologie VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2021; 67(6): 368-371
Category:

Overview

Arterial hypertension is one of the main modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of hypertension remains high, and its compensation is still unsatisfactory. In most patients, we should try to achieve office blood pressure values below 140/90 mm Hg, and in those who tolerate treatment well, values around 130/80 mm Hg, as soon as possible, ideally within three months of diagnosis. While lifestyle interventions are essential and should not be overlooked, most hypertensive patients cannot avoid pharmacotherapy, primarily using a combination of two or more antihypertensives. Achieving blood pressure targets, which determine the patient’s prognosis, is still not ideal. Factors on both the physician’s side and the patient’s side contribute to achieving blood pressure targets. The review article offers various approaches to achieving blood pressure targets, such as using fixed combinations.

Keywords:

fixed combination – arterial hypertension – therapeutic inertia – treatment adherence – treatment persistence

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