Patient knowledge of and adherence to oral anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart-valve replacement for congenital or acquired valve defects

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine (1) the level of knowledge that mechanical heart-valve patients (because of congenital heart disease or acquired heart-valve defects) have about oral anticoagulation therapy; and (2) to what extent these patients adhere to this therapy. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 57 patients. Knowledge was measured using the Knowledge of Oral Anticoagulation Tool. Adherence was assessed with a visual analogue scale and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study Adherence Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients poorly understood symptoms relevant to over-anticoagulation and the effects of alcohol and vitamins on oral anticoagulants. The knowledge level of patients with congenital heart disease and acquired heart-valve defects did not differ significantly. Three-quarters of patients claimed to be 100% adherent to oral anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSION: Most patients lack knowledge about oral anticoagulants, and one fourth of patients do not fully adhere to therapy. Cite this article: Van Damme, S., Van Deyk, K., Budts, W., Verhamme, P., & Moons, P. (2011, MARCH/APRIL). Patient knowledge of and adherence to oral anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart-valve replacement for congenital or acquired valve defects. Heart & Lung, 40(2), 139-146. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2009.11.005.