Objective: to analyze the action and coping plans related to the behavior of adhering to drug therapy, developed by coronary heart disease (CHD) outpatients, and to identify the barriers perceived to adopting this behavior. Methods: the participants (n=59) were invited to formulate action plans and coping plans for the behavior of adhering to the cardio-protective medications and the symptom-relief medications. Results: specific action plans for taking the medications associated with temporal markers and the sleep-wake cycle were shown. The most frequently reported obstacles were forgetfulness and absence of routine in daily living activities. The coping plans for overcoming forgetfulness were the most specific. 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