Scientists reveal the hidden danger of missing blood pressure medication
Missing blood pressure medication could mean losing much of its protection against heart attacks and strokes, according to an analysis of more than 91,000 people. Patients who consistently took their medication experienced an 11% reduction in major cardiovascular events, while those who missed too many doses saw little or no measurable benefit.
A recent study presented at ESC Congress 2026 reveals that missing doses of blood pressure medication could significantly diminish its protective effects against heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular problems. Approximately half of the 1.4 billion adults worldwide with hypertension do not adhere to their prescribed medication regimens.
Researchers analyzed data from 91,339 participants across nine clinical trials, finding that patients who took at least 80% of their medication consistently experienced a 5.2 mmHg lower systolic blood pressure compared to those with lower adherence. Crucially, among adherent patients, the intervention group experienced an 11% lower incidence of major cardiovascular events compared to the comparator group, while non-adherent patients showed no significant reduction in these events.
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