Assessment of Drug Related Problems in Cardiovascular Diseases and Prescribing Patterns of Cardiovascular Drugs in a Secondary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a serious public health concern that has risen to become the leading cause of death and premature death around the world, as well as a major contributor to rising health-care expenses. This study aimed to assess and determine the prevalence of drug related problems in cardiovascular disease patients along with identify prescription pattern of cardiovascular drugs during course of treatment in our study population. Prior authorization was received from the Institutional Ethics Committee. This prospective observational study involves 160 hospitalized patients in the in-patient department of a secondary care hospital. The prescribing pattern was analyzed and assessed during the period of 6 month and drug related problems in the following patients were reported. Of 160 patients, 102 (64%) were male and 58 (36%) were female. Subject of age group of 61-70 (n=51) were found to be more suspected. A total of 160 cases identified 366 DRPs. The most common identified DRP were the DDI 281 (77.41%), polypharmacy 42 (11.57%), no lab data or lack of monitoring 14 (3.82%), indication without drug 7 (1.91%), drug duplication 5 (1.36%), drug without indication, contraindication and ADR 3 (0.81%). The most common DDIs was aspirin + furosemide (n=23). The most offending drug involved in DDI was observed to be aspirin. Most of the prescription were prescribed with ant-platelet agent (41.22%), statins (15.71%) followed by CCBs (7.47%). Prescribing pattern of drugs in cardiovascular diseases concluded that optimized drug therapy lead to minimal ensuing DRPs. Clinical pharmacist recommendation in prevention of many DRPs can reduce the disease complication.