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European Journal of Heart Failure 2004 6(2):219-226; doi:10.1016/j.ejheart.2003.09.009
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© 2003 European Society of Cardiology

Pharmacological treatment in patients with heart failure: patients knowledge and occurrence of polypharmacy, alternative medicine and immunizations

Manuel Martínez-Sellés*, José A. García Robles, Roberto Muñoz, José A. Serrano, Elisa Frades, Marta Domínguez Muñoa and Jesús Almendral

Cardiology Department Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +34-91-586-8276; fax: +34-91-586-8276. E-mail address: mmselles{at}navegalia.com


  Abstract

Aims: 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.

Methods and 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 ≥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.

Conclusion: 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.

Key Words: Heart failure • Polypharmacy • Influenza • Knowledge

Received February 10, 2003; Revised June 6, 2003; Accepted September 15, 2003


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