Pharmacological treatment in patients with heart failure: patients knowledge and occurrence of polypharmacy, alternative medicine and immunizations.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate in patients with heart failure (HF) due to systolic dysfunction the occurrence of polypharmacy, alternative medicine, immunization against influenza, and patients' knowledge about their medication.


RESULTS
Sixty-five patients, 49 men, mean age 60.5+/-12.0 years answered a confidential questionnaire during 2002. Polypharmacy was frequent, 48 (74%) were taking six or more pills per day and 18 (28%) 11 or more. Fifteen patients (23%) used over-the-counter analgesics. Eight patients (12%) used alternative medicine [five women (31%) vs. three men (6%), P=0.02]. Forty-four patients (68%) received immunization against influenza (18 patients <65 years (54%) vs. 25 patients > or =65 years (79%), P=0.03). Half the patients knew that beta-blockers and vasodilators decreased blood pressure, 31 patients receiving diuretics (88%) knew that this drugs help to eliminate liquids, 12 patients (38%) recognized this effect with low dose spironolactone and 23% or less with other drugs. Only 12 patients (42%) treated with acenocoumarol and 13 of those treated with aspirin (32%) recognized the action of these drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with HF and systolic dysfunction have a poor knowledge about the medication they receive. Polypharmacy, over-the-counter, homeopathic and alternative medicine use is frequent whereas the rate of immunization against influenza is low.
Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain. mmselles@navegalia.com
Manuel
M
Martínez-Sellés
José A
JA
García Robles
Roberto
R
Muñoz
José A
JA
Serrano
Elisa
E
Frades
Marta
M
Domínguez Muñoa
Jesús
J
Almendral
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D019338:Polypharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents