Fatigue, Stress, and Blood Pressure Medication Adherence by Race After Myocardial Infarction

Fatigue and stress may affect medication adherence. This study explored fatigue, stress, and blood pressure (BP) medication adherence in Black and White adults (N = 152) who had experienced a myocardial infarction. Moderate to severe fatigue was reported by 55% of the sample. The regression model explained up to 40% of the variance (P < .001), with fatigue and race significantly predicting adherence. Black participants reported fatigue causing distress (r = 0.40), and White participants reported greater association of fatigue severity-related BP medication adherence (r = 0.49). Our findings support considering racial differences when evaluating fatigue associated with BP medication adherence.