Objective: To establish what strategies the patients with hypertension in a low-middle income country, Colombia, use to seek, obtain and adhere to necessary care. Design and method: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with thirty individuals from two regions of Colombia, who were selected by their sociodemographic characteristics and hypertensive status. A snowball sampling technique was used which involved asking interviewees to name people they knew who may have experiences that are particularly relevant to the study. All of the interviews were coded primarily through an inductive approach and thematic analysis, using QSR NVivo 10 Software with constant comparative method. Results: Participants informed of very poor diets prior to their diagnosis and of being unaware about the strategies to prevent high blood pressure. Once diagnosed, most reported taking their medication but not having received adequate information while others had not understood their treatment regimen. Although a good communications and a trusting relationship seems to have existed between them and their doctor, several critical points surfaced that affected the adherence to medication and the attendances the medical appointments. Participants identified barriers within the health system that affected to the treatment: co-payments for medication, costs of transport to health care facilities, unavailability of drugs, and poor access to specialized care. The Colombian health insurance model was described as administratively confusing and those accessing the state system thought that the treatment was inferior to that provided under the private system. Conclusions: It is important to understand the behaviors of patients who suffer of high blood pressure, because there are many factors that come into play when experiencing a chronic condition. Despite the major strides made by Colombia to extend coverage, there are still many difficulties for particular groups who live in remote areas and/or those who are not properly covered to have access to health care. Interventions control high blood pressure should be: new strategies to reduce hypertension risk factors, a better communication between health care professionals and patients regarding the importance of adhering to treatment, and new models of programs to improve disease management.