Treatment of hypertension tends to be interrupted, better monitoring and more frequent reminders are needed
24.03.2026
TALLINN, 24 March 2026 – While hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease in Estonia and one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes, the audit of the National Audit Office shows that the treatment and monitoring of this disease tend to be interrupted, causing the risk of complications and more serious illness. The target level of blood pressure was achieved in a little over a third of first-time patients during the 2–3 months recommended in the treatment guideline and the treatment of almost a third was interrupted within six months of diagnosis. The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Health Insurance Fund should strengthen adherence to treatment guidelines, monitor the spread of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment more systematically, and develop reminders and digital solutions to support both the family physician’s team and the patient.
