Impact of Variability in Blood Pressure and Heart Rate on Beta-Blocker Adherence

Abstract

Adherence to antihypertensive medications is essential for blood pressure (BP) control, influencing long-term outcomes in hypertensive patients. This study examines the association between visit-to-visit variability in BP and heart rate (HR) and its effect on adherence to beta-blocker therapy among outpatients. Conducted across 160 hospitals in China from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, this study included 9225 hypertensive outpatients prescribed metoprolol succinate. BP and HR variability were assessed over three visits (baseline, 1-month, and 2-month follow-up) using standard deviation (SD) and mean-independent parameters. Nonadherence was defined as medication discontinuation or treatment regimen changes by the 2-month follow-up. Among the 9037 patients analyzed, the mean age was 58.85 years (±12.54), and 52.9% were male. Visit-to-visit variability in the rate–pressure product (RPP; SBP×HR) was a significant predictor of nonadherence, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.53, p < 0.05) for the top-decile SD of RPP, independent of mean RPP. Variability in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were also associated with nonadherence, with ORs of 1.65 (95% CI: 1.35–2.00, p < 0.001) for DBP and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.39–1.99, p < 0.001) for PP, independent of their mean values. Patients with fluctuations in PP or HR had a higher risk of nonadherence compared to those with consistent reductions in these measures. Visit-to-visit variability in RPP, DBP, and PP is a significant predictor of nonadherence to beta-blockers, regardless of mean levels. Addressing this variability is critical for improving adherence to antihypertensive treatments and optimizing patient outcomes.