The role of the pharmacist in cardiovascular diseases therapy

Abstract

Sweeping changes continue to reshape the practice of pharmacy. The pharmacy professional needed today is a knowledgeable drug expert and skilled, persuasive communicator. Such pharmacist embraces a practice model-pharmacy care. Pharmacists play a major role in reducing the risk of vascular events via various interventions: promotion of health, prevention of disease, patient counseling for pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological treatment, support of adherence... Adherence to cardiovascular therapy is essential to optimal therapeutic outcomes. The common factors affecting adherence to cardiovascular therapy are: complexity of regimens, polypharmacy, frequent dosing times of some medicines, non-apparent effects on discontinuing medication, declined capability with increased age and patients health beliefs. The pivotal role of the pharmacist in optimizing adherence to cardiovascular therapy encompasses many actions: assessing the adherence problem, identifying predisposing factors, providing comprehensive counseling, and recommending specific adherence strategies targeted to the patient ,s needs.