Key result
Among patients with chronic heart failure, 17% reported at least one perceived medication adverse effect, with younger age, antiarrhythmic drug use, and lower general health perception independently predicting adverse effect reporting.
Cross-Sectional (n=670)
Yes
A significant proportion of chronic heart failure patients perceive medication adverse effects in daily practice, often attributing them to multiple drugs, and nearly a quarter do not communicate these to their healthcare provider.
Proactive inquiry into perceived adverse effects may improve communication in chronic heart failure; cross-sectional data leaves open effects on adherence.
BACKGROUND: Data on medication adverse effects (AEs) in chronic heart failure (CHF) are primarily based on results from clinical trials. Little is known about AEs perceived by CHF patients in daily practice and how patients deal with these subjective AEs. AIMS: To describe the scope and nature of perceived AEs of CHF patients, their coping strategies and the relationship of perceived AEs to medication, patient characteristics and quality of life. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included a sample of 680 patients previously hospitalised for CHF. Perceived AEs and coping strategies were collected by interviews based on a structured questionnaire. Medication and clinical information were collected by chart review. RESULTS: Of the 670 CHF patients completing the questionnaire, 17% reported at least one AE. In total, 186 AEs were reported of which 15% could not be linked to any medication. Nausea (4%), dizziness (4%), itches (3%) and rash (3%) were the most prevalent. The drug associated with the highest AE rate was pravastatin (27%). On average, more than five different drugs could be related to the AEs headache, dizziness and nausea. Patients reporting AEs had a lower general health perception, younger age and were more often using antiarrhythmic drugs. Of patients experiencing AEs, 69% conferred with their doctor, 24% reported having done nothing in reaction and 2% discontinued their medication without discussing it with the doctor. CONCLUSION: Adverse effects are frequently perceived by CHF patients, but they are difficult to recognise and manage in daily practice.
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Smedt et al. (2009) conducted a cross-sectional in Chronic heart failure (n=670). Chronic heart failure medication was evaluated on Proportion of patients reporting at least one perceived adverse effect of medication. Among patients with chronic heart failure, 17% reported at least one perceived medication adverse effect, with younger age, antiarrhythmic drug use, and lower general health perception independently predicting adverse effect reporting.
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