TWO cross-sectional surveys in Maryland and California indicate significant improvementsin levels of awareness and treatment, but only moderate improvements in proportionsof patients with their blood pressure under control. 16,17 The majority of the problem stillremains in long-term adherence and control, once an individual has been brought under control. The goal of achieving adherence with medical recommendations for hypertensive patients is to improve blood pressure control and ultimately to reduce the risk of premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is assumed that one who adherence to the medical recommendations will benefit significantly, through the lowering of risk status.