Medication Adherence for Hypertension: Why Patients Skip Doses

Taking blood pressure medication consistently is the single most important factor in staying controlled — yet roughly half of patients do not take their medications as prescribed.

Why people skip doses

• Forgetting: No routine or reminder system
• Side effects: Dizziness, cough, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction
• Cost: Copays add up, especially with multiple medications
• No symptoms: "I feel fine, so why take it?"
• Complexity: Multiple pills at different times
• Distrust: Concerns about long-term medication use

What actually helps

1. Reminders: Phone alarms, pill organizers, or app notifications
2. Simplify: Ask your doctor about once-daily combinations
3. Report side effects: Most can be managed by switching medications
4. Address cost: Generic alternatives, patient assistance programs, $4 pharmacy lists
5. Track and share: Log what you take (and skip) so your doctor sees the full picture

The CardioOK approach

CardioOK captures not just whether a dose was taken, but why it was skipped — cost, side effect, or forgetting. This gives your care team actionable information instead of just a compliance percentage.

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