How Can We Better Control Blood Pressure?
Published: May 27, 2024
High blood pressure control is crucial to prevent serious health issues, yet many struggle to manage it. Explore effective methods to improve hypertension control and reduce health risks.
Contents
The State of Control
Control of hypertension varies widely, with better outcomes in high-income countries compared to low- and middle-income ones. In the U.S., control rates improved from 1988 to 2014 but have since declined. Factors like decreased awareness and treatment effectiveness contribute to these trends.
Methods for Improvement
Improving control rates involves addressing clinician inertia and patient adherence. Encouraging regular follow-ups and using combination therapy can enhance outcomes. Financial incentives for healthcare providers have also shown promise in boosting control rates.

Innovative Strategies
Programs focusing on quality improvement, such as patient registries and culturally tailored communication, have achieved control rates as high as 80 percent. These approaches help narrow disparities and promote better health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinician inertia is the lack of timely treatment adjustments for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure.
Adherence can improve through regular follow-ups and effective communication from healthcare providers.
Yes, incentives have shown to increase blood pressure control rates among healthcare providers.
Registries help track and manage patients with hypertension, improving treatment strategies.
The Bottom Line
Control of hypertension requires a multifaceted approach to improve patient outcomes.
References
- Burt VL, Whelton P, Roccella EJ, et al. Hypertension 1995; 25:305.
- Egan BM, Zhao Y, Axon RN. JAMA 2010; 303:2043.
- Jaffe MG, Lee GA, Young JD, et al. JAMA 2013; 310:699.
- Harrison TN, Zhou H, Wei R, et al. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2249930.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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