Prevalence of constipation and associated factors among patients with heart disease: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Among patients with heart disease, constipation has been found to be associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Nonetheless, constipation is often overlooked in cardiac care. Aim: To describe the prevalence of patient-reported symptoms of constipation in patient with heart disease and explore associated factors. Methods: Survey with medical record linkage. Included from a cardiac unit at two urban hospitals were 451 patients. Data included the Constipation Assessment Scale, questions on laxatives and other strategies to maintain regular bowel function. Results: Participants’ mean age was 68 (SD 14), and 62% were male. A total of 28% reported symptoms of constipation. Patients using laxatives or other strategies to maintain regular bowel movements reported significantly more constipation compared with non-users. Conclusions: Constipation was common. Though causal relationships among factors cannot be inferred, data indicate that laxative use and patients’ own strategies may be suboptimal.