A method of controlling an implantable blood pump of a living patient. The method includes receiving one or more pump signals indicating at least one from the group consisting of a motor speed of the blood pump, power supplied to the blood pump, and differential pressure exerted by the blood pump. One or more medication signals is received indicating whether the patient has taken a medication. The flow rate of blood based on a combination of the one or more pump signals and the medication signals is determined. At least one from the group consisting of increasing and decreasing power is supplied to the pump in response to the determined flow rate.