Take Your BP Meds — “Or Else!”

Hypertension (HTN) is the most important risk factor for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Clinicians can prescribe any of numerous pharmacologic classes of antihypertensive medications, but taking the medication on a consistent basis is, ultimately, the patient's responsibility.

In this observational study, investigators used unique advantages of Finland's healthcare records to investigate the relation between adherence to HTN medications and subsequent nonfatal or fatal strokes. The study began with 152,053 patients who were stroke-free in 1995. The authors reviewed medical records for stroke hospitalizations during the subsequent 12 years and identified prescription purchases for various classes of HTN medications (diuretics, beta-blockers…