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
DOI 10.1093/eurheartj/ehr080
More from this paper
- Even when primary risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, BMI) are successfully controlled through treatment, a significant proportion of patients (approx. 35-39%) remain at high cardiovascular disease risk.Good
- Lifestyle counseling, particularly written dietary advice and smoking cessation strategies, is poorly implemented in primary prevention clinical practice across Europe.Good
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →