Blood Pressure Control

Helping Patients Take Their Medicine

[PDF, 2.8 MB, 4 Pages]

High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and death. About 70% of US adults age 65 or older have high blood pressure and only about half have it under control (less than 140/90 mmHg). Blood pressure medicine (along with a healthy diet and exercise) can protect the heart, brain, and kidneys, but only if patients take it and keep their blood pressure controlled. However, at least 25% of adults, ages 65 or older, with Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance are not taking their blood pressure medicine as directed. This means they may skip doses or stop taking it altogether. Health care systems, including providers, medical practices, pharmacies, hospitals, community health workers, and insurers can work with patients to make taking medicine easier.

Key points include:

About 70% of US adults, ages 65 or older, have high blood pressure.
Nearly 50% of adults ages 65 or older with high blood pressure don't have it under control.
About 5 million adults, ages 65 or older, with Medicare Part D aren't taking their blood pressure medicine as directed.