Introduction: Nowadays, antithrombotic and antiplatelet agents are widely used in cardiology. Both agents, apart from their therapeutic benefits, have many adverse effects. The main aim of the study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of side effects and possible complications in patients taking antithrombotic and antiplatelet agents due to cardiological recommendations.
Material and methods: A sample of 180 patients (mean age 65 years) was studied. A diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire prepared by the researchers was used for measurements.
Results: The results indicated that among antithrombotic and antiplatelet agents taken by patients the most often used were: acetylsalicylic acid (140 patients) and clopidogrel (64 patients), while acenocoumarol derivatives were taken by 25 patients. When asked whether the patient obtained information about the side effects of drugs 51% of patients acknowledged obtaining information, 22% of patients denied that they were given such information, and 27% of patients admitted that they had forgotten whether they were informed about side effects. 23% of patients described their knowledge of the effects of drugs as wide, 57% of patients as basic, and 20% of patients admitted a lack of knowledge in that area. 25% of patients knew the threats of sudden discontinuation of treatment. 81% of patients could not describe management in the case of missing a dose of the drug.
Conclusions: The results suggest that in patients on antithrombotic treatment the state of knowledge about complications, side effects and interactions of drugs is insufficient. The methods and scope of education are inadequate. Considering the widespread use of antithrombotic treatment, anticoagulation clinics should be established.