Goal attainment, medication adherence and guideline adherence in the treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia in Irish populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

The appropriate treatment high blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

(LDL-C), according to clinical guidelines, reduces a patient's risk of a cardiovascular event.

Aim

This systematic review aims to evaluate the attainment of BP and LDL-C goals among the Irish population in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the level of adherence to prescribing guidelines by doctors and the level of medication adherence among patients.

Methods

Five databases were searched in March 2024. Quantitative articles reporting levels of goals attainment, medication adherence or guideline adherence for LDL-C and BP among Irish adults aged ≥18 years were included. The proportion of patients attaining their LDL-Cor BP goals were statistically combined using the random effect model.

Results

Following screening, 23 eligible articles were identified. The achievement of LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L was 41 % (95 % CI 31,52), compared to 69 % of people (95 % CI 62,76) reported to have achieved the less stringent goal of LDL-C < 3 mmol/L. The achievement of BP < 140/90 mmHg was 56 % (95 % CI 46,65). Medication adherence levels ranged between 27 % and 92 %. Guideline adherence findings demonstrated that not all patients who should be on lipid-lowering therapy are and that choice of antihypertensive is not always in line with the guidelines.

Conclusion

Approximately one-third of deaths in Ireland annually are caused by cardiovascular disease, despite being preventable. There is room for improvement in goal attainments in people at risk of CVDs and optimization of medication adherence and guideline adherence may be beneficial in this population.