Understand All Your Medications

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It is a frightening statistic. According to a new study, half the people who are on heart medications make an error on one of their medications in the first few days after hospital discharge.

Part of the problem is that many people with heart problems are given new medications and the treatment can be complex. It can also be confusing.

There is another issue as well and it has to do with what is called medication reconciliation at discharge, where patients are supposed to be explained the drugs they are going home with in a thorough fashion.

If you are hospitalized and given new medications ask about them and understand them.