Hypertension Self-Management

Hypertension continues to be a major US health problem; it is underdiagnosed, undertreated, and even when treated, often poorly controlled; over one-third of patients on antihypertensive medications have uncontrolled disease. Poor hypertension control has been attributed to provider factors, such as clinical inertia in prescribing adequate medications and patient factors, including poor adherence to medications and lifestyle management. Few interventions to improve hypertension control have had resounding, sustained effects. Thus, finding ways to improve hypertension self-management remains a significant challenge.