Approximately one half of all persons 65 years and over in this country have some form of cardiovascular disease for which they are taking a variety of medications. Cardiovascular medications, however, have adverse side effects, like confusion and depression, that can alter the user's behavior and perceptions about the world. This study seeks to examine whether the presence or absence of cardiovascular medications in a sample of nursing home residents over 65 with no history of neurological complications is reflected in how those persons rate the importance of functional communication skills in their everyday lives. Results indicate that, for the subjects in this study, cardiovascular medications do influence how some items on a 50‐item questionnaire are prioritized.