IMPACT OF POOR KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ON CHRONIC HYPERTENSION

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This was a 75-year-old, parity 2 Malay lady with sudden onset chest pain. She was diagnosed with hypertension and ischemic heart disease 7 years duration and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation for 5 years duration. Patient was diagnosed as fast atrial fibrillation secondary to unstable angina. Multiple risk factor involved as patient has poor blood pressure control, knowledge, attitude and practice towards pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of her illness and poor psychosocial support. Electrocardiogram finding showed patient was having fast atrial fibrillation. She received aspirin and anti-hypertensive medications for acute management and fast correction potassium with potassium chloride, warfarin and haematinic as inpatient management. Patient was discharged once haemoglobin stabilized with no electrocardiogram and echocardiogram abnormalities. She was advised to adhere to warfarin diet and not skip any medications. Home visit findings revealed patient had poor adherence to cardio-protective lifestyle and has significant history of cardiovascular events. Her home environment is also non-conducive and injury prone for this patient who is on warfarin treatment. The prognosis is fair as she acknowledge her illness however has poor knowledge on the nature of the disease, risk, compliance and significance of medication as well as healthy lifestyle to prevent complications of the illness.

Keywords: Fast Atrial Fibrillation, Unstable Angina, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation