[Medication compliance in cardiovascular disease]

The medication compliance of 674 patients with cardiovascular disease was evaluated by interview. Of all 674 patients, 441 (65.4%) reported taking over 95% of prescribed drugs, 193 (28.6%) took 75 to 94%, 29 (4.3%) took 50 to 74% and 11 (1.6%) took under 50%. The medication compliance of patients with valvular disease (n = 60) was better than that of patients with coronary heart disease (n = 251), arrhythmias (n = 58) or hypertension (n = 356). Among patients with valvular disease, the medication compliance of those taking Warfarin was better than that of those not taking it. Among patients with coronary heart disease, the medication compliance of vasospastic angina pectoris was better than that of patients after aorto-coronary bypass surgery. The level of medication compliance was not influenced by age under 79 years old, but it was slightly decreased over 80 years old. The level of medication compliance remained about the same regardless of the number or drugs, but it was closely related to the timing of dosing. The medication compliance was best with dosing in the morning. A questionnaire form about "quality of life", revealed no significant association between "quality of life" and the medication compliance. In conclusion, it was emphasized that it is the physician's responsibility to teach, motivate, and encourage patients to maximize compliance.