Adherence
In primary prevention clinical practice across Europe, less than half of treated hypertensive and dyslipidaemic patients achieve target blood pressure and lipid levels, and only one-third of treated diabetic patients achieve the HbA1c target.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, do not assume you are 'safe' just because you are taking medication. The study shows that most people on treatment still do not reach healthy target levels. You must actively engage with your healthcare provider to ensure your numbers are actually within the target range, and prioritize lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, as medication alone is often insufficient.
Among treated hypertensives (94.2%), only 38.8% achieved the blood pressure target of <140/90 mmHg... Among treated dyslipidaemic patients (74.4%), 41.2% attained both the total- and LDL-cholesterol target... Among treated type 2 diabetic patients (87.2%), 36.7% achieved the <6.5% HbA1c target
Why this rating
Large-scale cross-sectional observational study (n=7641) across 12 countries with standardized central laboratory testing, though not a randomized controlled trial.
Source
Achievement of treatment goals for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in clinical practice across Europe: the EURIKA study
José R. Banegas et al. · European Heart Journal · 2011
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