Oral Complications of Congestive Heart Failure Drugs in Patients Referred to Heart Clinics in Birjand (Iran) in 2016

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common medical disorder, and the number of medicines available to address CVDs is on the rise; meanwhile, complications and drug interactions are major concerns. CVD patients’ medications include hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. However, their administration is associated with side effects such as oral dryness, change in taste, and a burning sensation in the mouth. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate medicine-related oral complications of patients with heart failure. Methods: Following a cross-sectional design, 340 patients (146 men and 194 women) referring to heart clinics in Birjand (Iran) from March to September 2016 were evaluated. The mean age of participants was 60.13 ± 9.35. Participants were interviewed using standard checklists, and a complete clinical examination of the oral cavity for the presence of any oral mucosal lesions was performed using a mirror and dental probe. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 22. Results: The most common side effect of heart failure medications was oral dryness (28.8%), followed by bitter taste (11.2%) in the mouth. The side effects were proportional to the patient’s age and the time since receiving the medication. Conclusions: Educational pamphlets are suggested to be separately prepared for patients and cardiologists about ways to prevent oral side effects of medications and oral considerations. Dentists can use supportive treatments and sialagogue medications to improve oral complications upon appropriate referrals.