Medications and associated symptoms/problems after coronary artery bypass surgery

Paula Schulz, Donna J. Lottman, Travis L. Barkmeier, Lani Zimmerman, Sue Barnason, Melody Hertzog

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe medication use and examine the relationship between medications and postoperative symptoms/problems in the first 3 months after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS). Methods: The sample consisted of older (≥65 years) men and women (n = 232) who had undergone CABS. Medication data were collected through self-report 3 and 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Results: Most patients reported taking aspirin (88.2%-85.7%), statins or cholesterol-lowering drugs (88.6%-87%), and beta-blockers (68%-55.6%). No significant differences were found between the proportion of patients taking and not taking beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor medications for common medication-specific symptoms/problems. Conclusion: Patients experience symptoms after surgery, but these symptoms did not seem to be side effects from medications. Nursing assessments and interventions targeting postoperative symptoms, symptom management, and medication side effects can enhance recovery and reinforce medication adherence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)130-138
Number of pages9
JournalHeart and Lung: Journal of Acute and Critical Care
Volume40
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Cardiac surgery
  • Medication
  • Symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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