In a nutshell
In this study, researchers assessed how often patients with coronary artery disease meet the guidelines to reduce their risk of future heart-related problems.
Some background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the buildup of a fatty material (plaque) in the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, reduces blood flow to the heart. CAD increases a person’s risk for future heart-related health problems, such as heart attack. Many of these risks can be reduced if patients follow physicians’ guidelines regarding lifestyle modification, medication, and reducing other risk factors (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and smoking). Unfortunately, many patients do not follow the guidelines that would help them reduce their risk. These guidelines have the potential to reduce health problems and increase survival. Therefore, it is important to understand how many patients are adhering to their doctors’ recommendations.
Methods & findings
Researchers identified 759 patients with CAD and conducted a survey to assess health problems and adherence to recommendations. Only 24% of these patients were taking all the recommended medications, including blood pressure-reducing drugs and cholesterol-lowering medications. Only 14% of patients controlled all of their risk factors for future heart-related problems, including not smoking and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar (if diabetic). Regarding lifestyle modifications that reduce the risk for CAD, 71% of patients met the recommendations for alcohol consumption. However, only 17% exercised regularly, 7% consumed the recommended amount of sodium (salt), and 21% had a healthy body mass index or BMI (weight to height ratio). Patients who had CAD and diabetes were less likely to control more than two of the above risk factors.
The bottom line
In summary, patients with CAD do not generally meet all recommended guidelines for lifestyle changes, medication adherence, or risk factor control.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk factors for CAD and how adherence to recommendations can be easier.
Published By :
The American journal of cardiology
Date :
Oct 15, 2013
