Table III.

 Factors Influencing Persistence With Antihypertensive Medication Regimens and Discontinuation of Therapy

Factor	Finding
Age	Older patients more persistent than younger patients
Sex	Women usually more persistent than men
Initial monotherapy	Persistence highest with angiotensin receptor blockers, lowest with diuretics
Comorbidity	Discontinuation rates higher with higher comorbidity index
Adverse effects	Occurrence of adverse effects increases discontinuation
Prescription coverage	Discontinuation rates lower with drug coverage