Aspirin for cardioprotection and strategies to improve patient adherence

Danielle Duffy1, Erik Kelly, Amanda Trang

  • 1Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, Jefferson Medical College. danielle.duffy@jefferson.edu.

Postgraduate Medicine
|January 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes requires better aspirin adherence. This review examines suboptimal adherence rates, patient and medication factors, and strategies to enhance medication compliance for better health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a primary cause of death in North America.
  • Aspirin therapy is a cornerstone in CVD prevention and treatment.
  • Suboptimal adherence to aspirin regimens leads to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on aspirin therapy adherence.
  • To identify causes of nonadherence to aspirin.
  • To outline strategies for improving adherence to aspirin and general medication.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on aspirin adherence.
  • Analysis of patient-related factors contributing to nonadherence.
  • Analysis of medication-related factors contributing to nonadherence.

Main Results:

  • Aspirin adherence rates are suboptimal, ranging from 72% to 92%.
  • Nonadherence is influenced by a combination of patient- and medication-related factors.
  • Multidimensional strategies are needed to improve adherence.

Conclusions:

  • Improving aspirin adherence is crucial for managing cardiovascular disease.
  • Patient education and medication innovations addressing side effects are key strategies.
  • A comprehensive approach is necessary to enhance medication adherence and patient outcomes.

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