RecruitingObservational

Exploring why people with high blood pressure and other long-term conditions may not take their blood pressure medication and how to help them

This study aims to understand why people with high blood pressure and other long-term conditions sometimes struggle to take their medication as prescribed. Reasons can include forgetting, worrying about side effects, or finding it hard to manage their health. Not taking medication regularly can increase risks of heart problems. Researchers will use a new urine test to find out if blood pressure medications are being taken. This will help doctors and patients have open conversations about medication use. The goal is to provide better support and care, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for many people in the future. Participants will also share their thoughts on these new tests.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

150

Start

19 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Cardiometabolic conditions

What is this study about?

When people have high blood pressure, they are often given medications to help keep it under control. However, sometimes it can be difficult to take these medicines regularly, maybe because they forget, worry about side effects, or have many different health issues to manage. This is a common problem, and it means that people might be at a higher risk of developing serious heart problems later on if their blood pressure isn't well-managed. Often, people find it hard to talk to their doctor about these struggles, so their doctor might not even know.

This study wants to understand exactly why people with high blood pressure and other long-term conditions might not take their medication as prescribed. The main goal is to look at a new way of checking whether medications are being taken regularly. This involves a simple urine test that can detect the presence of blood pressure medicines. By understanding medication-taking habits better, the study hopes to find new ways for doctors to support their patients more effectively.

Ultimately, this research aims to improve how we care for people with high blood pressure. By getting a clearer picture of medication use, doctors can have better discussions with their patients and offer personalised support. This could lead to better health for many people and reduce the risk of future heart problems. A smaller part of the study will also involve talking to patients and healthcare staff about their views on using these new tests.

Key takeaways

This study wants to learn why people with high blood pressure sometimes don't take their medication regularly.
It's checking a new urine test that can show if blood pressure medicines are being taken.
The goal is to help doctors better support patients and improve health.
You would have one visit for health checks, questionnaires, and a urine sample.
The findings could lead to better ways of managing high blood pressure for everyone.
The study runs from November 2024 to June 2027.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. To take part in the main study, you need to have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and currently take at least three different medications for it. You also need to have at least one other long-term health condition, like diabetes or heart disease.

For the smaller part of the study, which involves interviews, the patient requirements are similar: you must be an adult aged 18 or over with high blood pressure, taking at least three blood pressure medications. Healthcare professionals who treat patients with high blood pressure can also take part in these interviews.

Unfortunately, you can't join the study if you are in residential care, are too unwell to participate, or cannot understand the information provided for the study in a language we can support.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have high blood pressure and take at least three different medications for it?
Have you been taking at least one of these blood pressure medications for over a year?
Do you have another long-term health condition like diabetes or heart disease?
Are you able to provide consent and understand the study information?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the main study, you'll have one visit to your GP practice after a regular appointment. During this visit, the research team will measure your height, weight, and blood pressure. They’ll also ask some questions about your age, gender, where you live, smoking habits, existing health conditions, and education. We'll also collect information about your current medications. You'll complete three questionnaires about your quality of life, how you're feeling emotionally (anxiety and depression), and how regularly you take your medication. Finally, you'll provide a urine sample, which will be checked to see if your blood pressure medications are present.

If you're part of the smaller interview-based study, you'll have one interview or join a focus group discussion. This will be a chance to share your thoughts and feelings about the urine test and how it might be used in healthcare in the future. These discussions can happen in person at the Leicester Diabetes Centre or online. The total time commitment for the main study is a single visit, and for the sub-study, a single interview or group discussion.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand how to support people with high blood pressure to take their medication regularly, which could lead to improved care and health for others in the future. There are no major risks involved; you'll have some basic health checks and provide a urine sample, similar to what might happen at a regular doctor’s visit. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

University of Leicester
Approximate
Leicester, England
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, England
East Midlands RRDN
City only
Leicester, England

Common questions

What is 'medication nonadherence'?

It means not taking your medicine exactly as prescribed, for example, missing doses or taking it at the wrong time.

What is a 'cardiometabolic condition'?

These are health problems that affect your heart, blood vessels, and how your body uses sugar and fat, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

What will the urine test show?

The urine test will check if the blood pressure medications you are prescribed are present in your body.

Will taking part affect my usual medical treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not affect your regular medical care or how your doctor treats you.

Who is funding this research?

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK is funding this study.

How to find out more

Patrick Highton

Ph204@leicester.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.