27 March 2025: The International Society of Hypertension today marks World Adherence Day, a global initiative which highlights the importance of adherence to medications and healthcare plans to manage conditions such as hypertension.

World Adherence Day was announced last year as part of the ISH’s Cartagena Declaration - a call to action to improve adherence to antihypertensive medications and healthcare plans globally.

The World Adherence Day will take place every year on 27 March. It has been initiated by the World Heart Federation and is supported by the ISH alongside many of our other global partners.

The campaign highlights the fact that adherence to healthcare plans is associated with a 21% reduction in long-term mortality risk.

In a video message, ISH President George Stergiou said: “Adherence to treatment is one of the biggest challenges in managing high blood pressure.

“But here’s the problem – many patients struggle to stick to their treatment plan. This means we don’t always reach target blood pressure levels in our patients, putting them at increased risk of complications.

“That’s why World Adherence Day is so important.

“We try to understand the barriers patients face – whether it’s cost, side effects, or the challenges of taking medication for life.

“We intend to work alongside our partners to find solutions that are practical and acceptable to patients everywhere.

“If we are successful, we will improve the effectiveness of treatment of HTN, reduce the global burden of hypertension, and patients all around the world will benefit.”

Visit the campaign website.