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Compliance and fixed-dose combination therapy

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Abstract

Despite data on the importance of blood pressure control in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, only 34% of hypertensive patients have their blood pressure under control. The National Council on Patient Information and Education has estimated that the compliance rate is just over 30% for chronic conditions like hypertension. Polypharmacy and complex treatment regimens have been identified as important, modifiable risk factors for medication noncompliance. Fixed-dose combination regimens are attractive options because of the improved antihypertensive efficacy resulting from the dual mechanistic action of components targeting different effector mechanisms. One drug in the fixed-dose combination may negate an adverse effect of the other medication. Above all, fixed-dose combination therapy reduces pill burden and improves medication compliance, which can translate into better cardiovascular outcomes. Fixed-dose combinations should be used routinely for the management of hypertension and should also be considered when initiating therapy for patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiology, Columbia, University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1000 Tenth Avenue, Suite 3B-30, New York, NY, 10025, USA

    Franz H. Messerli MD

Authors
  1. Sripal Bangalore MD, MHA
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  2. Anupama Shahane MD, MPH
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  3. Sanobar Parkar MD, MPH
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  4. Franz H. Messerli MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Franz H. Messerli MD.

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Bangalore, S., Shahane, A., Parkar, S. et al. Compliance and fixed-dose combination therapy. Current Science Inc 9, 184–189 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-007-0033-3

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