Patient self-care responsibility improves heart outcomes

Physicians communicating advice to heart failure patients leads to patient self-care and improved outcomes, according to a new study published in the July/August Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.

In the first of its kind study, according to study authors, researchers found that patients who compiled with self-care plans (i.e., taking medications, monitoring symptoms, eating a low-sodium diet, exercising) had better outcomes (i.e., lower myocardial stress and systemic inflammation, which is associated with higher mortality and urgent heart transplants), according to a press release.

With increasing national initiatives to improve quality of care, many wonder what role patients play in their own quality of care and accountability for patient outcomes.

Researchers of the study recommend evaluating, teaching, and promoting effective self-care in heart failure patients, now shown to translate in positive outcomes.

For more:
- read the study abstract
- read the press release

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