Beta blocker compliance poor among insured patients

AORN Journal,  March, 2007  

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Only 45% of patients who were prescribed beta blockers and had some prescription medication insurance coverage were regularly taking the medications during the first year after experiencing a heart attack, according to a Sept 12, 2006, news release from Duke University Medical Center News, Durham, NC. Beta blockers can reduce the risk of future heart attacks by blunting the normal stimulatory effects of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine on the heart. Beta blockers prevent heart rate increases and reduce the heart's need for oxygen during exertion.

Using data from the prescriptions of 17,035 patients, researchers determined that patient compliance with beta blocker use was poor, especially in younger women, and did not seem to be related to the availability of health insurance with prescription medication coverage. This may indicate that factors other than cost cause poor compliance.

The largest percentage of patients stopped taking the medication within the initial months after discharge. The researchers theorize that patients may not realize, or it is not explained to them, that the medication must be taken for the rest of their tires. The researchers suggest that physicians need to develop new approaches during patient follow-up to improve usage rates.

People Often Forgo Using Lifesaving Beta Blockers Despite Health Insurance [news release]. Durham, NC: Duke University Medical Center News; September 12, 2006. Available at: http://dukemednews.org/news/article.php?id=9868. Accessed January 8, 2007.

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