It’s a dangerous trend.
A recent global study found that many people with heart disease are not taking medications that could help manage their conditions and improve their health. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, reveals that less than half of heart patients across 17 countries are using essential medications, such as blood thinners, statins, and blood pressure drugs. These medications have the potential to prevent further heart issues and extend lives, but they are underutilized worldwide.
Researchers followed over 11,000 individuals aged 30 to 70, who were diagnosed with heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. The participants were observed for up to 12 years with health check-ups every three years. At the beginning of the study, 41% of participants were taking at least one medication to manage their heart health. However, by the end of the study, that number had decreased to just 31%, demonstrating a significant drop in medication adherence over time.
The study also found that medication use varied greatly depending on the country’s income level. In high-income countries like Canada and Sweden, 89% of patients were taking heart medications at the start, but this dropped to 77% by the end. In contrast, lower-income countries like India and Bangladesh saw a slight increase in medication use, though it remained much lower than in wealthier nations. Overall, the use of multiple medications for heart disease prevention remained low across all regions.
Dr. Philip Joseph, the lead researcher, expressed concern that many heart disease patients are either untreated or inadequately treated, which could lead to earlier deaths or poorer quality of life. He stressed that secondary prevention strategies for heart disease are not improving as needed, leaving many patients without the necessary care. Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a professor at Yale, also pointed out the significant opportunity to improve global cardiovascular health, highlighting the fact that inexpensive, effective treatments are available but not being utilized adequately.
The findings underscore the need for urgent action to ensure that heart patients, particularly those in lower-income countries, receive the medications they need. Experts agree that improving medication adherence could prevent further heart complications and save lives, making it a priority for global healthcare systems to address this gap in care.
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