The Hong Kong College of Cardiology (HKCC) held a press conference on the “Survey on Medication of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases” on 28 September 2023.
From mid-July to mid-August, through cardiology specialists and the patient group "Care For Your Heart", the College reached patients to conduct a questionnaire survey, and commissioned the Centre for the Advancement of Social Sciences Research (CASR) of Hong Kong Baptist University to analyze the data. The study examined patients’ use of and understanding of two of the most commonly used types of medication: those for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. The survey successfully interviewed 320 patients seeking care from cardiology specialists; at least 73% had been taking blood pressure- or cholesterol-lowering medication long term, and more than half had been on these medications for over five years. The survey found that some patients had low medication adherence; among those currently taking blood pressure- or cholesterol-lowering drugs, 21% reported adjusting the dosage on their own or stopping the medication, suggesting that insufficient understanding may lead patients to not follow instructions, potentially worsening their condition.
The survey also explored patients’ misconceptions about medications. It found that for half (4 out of 8) of the questions, the accuracy rate was only around 40% or lower. For example, 83% of respondents who were continuing their medication mistakenly believed that long-term use would affect liver and kidney function.
Press news:
Sky PostHKET
Heart Health Channel
Care For Your Heart
(Source of information and photo: Heart Health Channel)
(September 28, 2023)