From resistance to rescue – patients’ shifting attitudes to antihypertensives: A qualitative study

Objective. The objective of this study was to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of experiences of antihypertensive drug treatment. Design. Interview study. Setting. A primary health care centre in western Sweden. Method. Qualitative interviews and analyses through systematic text condensation described by Malterud. Subjects. Ten informants in pharmacological treatment for high blood pressure (six men and four women). Main outcome measure. Experiences of hypertension drug treatment. Results. The findings revealed a process starting with resistance to drug treatment related to lack of control, side effects, and unwanted awareness of impaired health. These negative feelings then changed into a positive desire for lifestyle changes caused by a fear of cardiovascular disease which in turn changed the attitude towards drugs into seeing them as a rescue remedy and something normal and this then evoked health care trust. Conclusion. Despite initial resistance to treatment, the experience of antihypertensive drug treatment became more positive with time. Confidence in the health care system is important for adherence to treatment. General practitioners have a key role in this regard.