Even after a heart attack, many patients forgot their medications

According to a Canadian study conducted in more than 100 hospitals and involving a little over 4,500 patients, many Canadians who have suffered a heart attack would greatly benefit from a clearer understanding of the significance of their medications. The medications that are prescribed when patients are discharged from hospital are essential in reducing the risk of complications and mortality, because the period immediately following a heart attack is a particularly critical one.

Following their release from hospital, it is thought that one out of every ten individuals who have suffered a heart attack does not even go to the pharmacy to purchase their initial prescriptions. This behaviour is definitely not without consequence, as it actually increases the risk an individual has of dying within the year following a heart attack by 80%! Furthermore, patients who only regularly take some of the medications prescribed to them by their physician have a 40% higher mortality risk than those who adamantly follow their physician’s recommendations.

The medications prescribed after a heart attack must be started as early as possible, and must be taken regularly! If you, or a loved one, are living through such an ordeal, it is important you be well informed. During your hospital stay, you can ask to speak with a pharmacist so they can explain your pharmacological therapy. They can also help you better integrate your particular treatment to your lifestyle.

In order to genuinely understand the purpose of each medication, and to learn how long you are required to take them, it is important you share all of your questions and worries with your pharmacist. In addition, if you are contemplating the idea of abandoning one of your prescribed medications, it is imperative you discuss it with a health professional before aborting any treatment. If you are experiencing adverse effects you believe might be directly related to one of your medications, it is essential you discuss it with a health professional! They possess the knowledge and solutions to help you.

After a heart attack, life continues!