PP.12.12] PREVALENCE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND OVER THE COUNTER DRUG USE IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Objective: Introduction: Dietary supplements are frequently advertised for the natural treatment and management of many disorders. Dietary supplements (DS) and over the counter drugs (OTC) can interfere with biotherapeutic action of prescribed medication and this is of particular concern in patients with cardiovascular disease, many of whom are on long term treatment. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of use of DS/OTC among patients with arterial hypertension as well as factors determining its use and patients’ knowledge about possible interactions with conventional medication. Design and method: Material and methods: The study was conducted in the Outpatient Hypertensive Clinic in the Tertiary Cardiac Center. Self-prepared questionnaire was administered among 151 hypertensive patients (58% females, age range 18–80 years). Regular DS/OTC use was defined as taking them at least 3 times per week. Results: Results: In the examined population of hypertensive patients regular use of DS/OTC was declared by 67% subjects (n = 101). The most commonly, regularly used substances were minerals and microelements (n = 61, 40%), vitamins (n = 49, 33%), and analgesics (n = 19, 22%). Responders also indicated regular use of drugs increasing the immunity (n = 19, 13%), relieving the gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 20, 14%) and modulating cognitive function (n = 9, 6%) as well as influencing the appearance of the skin and nails (n = 12, 8%). There were no differences in the frequency of DS/OTC use in relation to age, education level and income. Women are more frequent regular users of DS/OTC than men (n = 65 vs n = 36, p = 0.03). Only 36% of responders consulted the use of DS/OTC with a doctor. The majority of responders (72%) is not aware of possible influence of DS/OTC on antihypertensive medication or blood pressure control. Cost of DS/OTC in 23% of responders is equal or higher than cost of prescribed drugs. Conclusions: Conclusions: Two thirds of hypertensive patients are regularly using DS/OTC being not aware of their possible interactions with antihypertensive therapy and influence on blood pressure control. The perception that nonprescription therapies are unnecessary to report during medication history taking should be changed. DS/OTC are the important position in the responders budget.