Medication Noncompliance

At least a quarter of people with heart disease don't take vital medicines they have been prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

This is a really big problem.

Of all the specialties in medicine, Cardiology has an a overwhelming amount of data to support the medications we prescribe.

Examples:

- Statins: very effective in reducing events in both the primary and secondary situations

- ACE inhibitors/ARBs: controls blood pressure, reduces events in patients with vascular disease, controls heart failure

- Beta blockers: Protects the heart after a heart attack

- Aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix): vital for preventing clots in fresh stents

I could go on and on ...

However, these medications do not work if they are not taken consistently, in the correct way.

Make sure you understand why you take a specific medication and how to take it correctly.

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