Use of Nonprescription Medications for Perceived Cardiovascular Health

Artz, Margaret B.; Harnack, Lisa J.; Duval, Susan J.; Armstrong, Chris; Arnett, Donna K.; Luepker, Russell V.

doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2005.08.038

« Previous Next »American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Volume 30, Issue 1 , Pages 78-81, January 2006

Use of Nonprescription Medications for Perceived Cardiovascular Health

Margaret B. Artz, PhD
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Margaret B. Artz, PhD, University of Minnesota, 7-148 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis MN 55455.
Lisa J. Harnack, DrPH
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Susan J. Duval, PhD
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chris Armstrong, PhD
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Donna K. Arnett, PhD
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
Russell V. Luepker, MD, MS
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Background

Nonprescription products (over-the-counter drugs; vitamins/minerals; and nonvitamin, nonmineral supplements) are promoted or advertised for cardiovascular health. The extent of nonprescription products used specifically for perceived cardiovascular health (NONRX-CVH) is unknown. This study aimed to (1) determine prevalence and types of nonprescription medications used for NONRX-CVH, (2) compare the demographics of NONRX-CVH users to persons using nonprescription medications in general, and (3) determine the prevalence of use of NONRX-CVH among those taking a prescription medication for a cardiovascular reason.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey comprised the probability sample of 3128 adults in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area in the 2000–2002 Minnesota Heart Survey. Trained interviewers collected medication information from participants using a structured medication inventory approach.

Results

Analysis in 2005 shows that 10% of participants (n=315) self-reported taking one or more nonprescription medications in the past 2 weeks for a perceived cardiovascular health purpose. Among these individuals, prevalence of use of vitamin/mineral supplements, nonvitamin/nonmineral supplements, and over-the-counter products for a cardiovascular purpose was 37.5%, 21.3%, and 54.6%, respectively. Popular NONRX-CVHs were aspirin (52.1%), vitamin E (24.4%), garlic (9.8%), and omega-3/fish oils/fatty acids (3.8%). NONRX-CVH users were older than general nonprescription users (p<0.001). Of 613 people using a prescription drug for cardiovascular reasons, 135 (22%) reported using one or more NONRX-CVH medications.

Conclusions

Use of NONRX-CVHs, especially aspirin, vitamin E, and herbals, is common, and older patients may use aspirin or dietary supplements for this purpose. Physicians having patients with cardiovascular disease should ask about nonprescription medication usage, as some NONRX-CVHs may be inappropriate.