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As many as 30 percent of heart attack survivors may be putting themselves at risk of another heart attack by not taking their medication as prescribed, according to a new study published this week in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
Researchers interviewed 7,425 patients regarding their adherence to taking medications prescribed after their heart attacks. More than 2,100 patients admitted to not always following doctor’s orders. The reasons for non-adherence ranged from forgetfulness to depression to lack of funds to fill prescriptions.
Dr. Robin Matthews, the study’s lead author, told Reuters Health, “Ultimately, regardless of the reason, patient non-adherence to medications after a heart attack has been associated with poor outcomes – these can include repeat hospitalization, progression of their underlying disease, or even reduced survival.”
Between 2010 and 2012, Matthews and her research team analyzed the drug compliance of heart attack patients at 215 hospitals nationwide who were prescribed antiplatelet therapy. Seventy-one percent of patients said they consistently took their medications as prescribed. Twenty-five percent admitted to occasionally taking their medications as prescribed. Four percent said they rarely took their medications.
Researchers hope that, by understanding the various psychological and financial reasons behind patient non-adherence, they can improve prescription education and ultimately increase patient compliance.
To learn more, read the entire article.
