Publication:

Drug prescribing pattern in patients of myocardial infarction in a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India

Background The term acute myocardial infarction (MI) should be used when there is evidence of myocardial necrosis in a clinical setting consistent with acute myocardial ischemia. Aims of this study were to assess drug prescribing pattern in patients of myocardial infarction and to compare prevalence of MI according to age, gender, diet, smoker or non-smoker, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, family history of cardiovascular disease.

Methods This observational study was conducted at department of pharmacology, in association with department of cardiology and included all patients of myocardial infarction visiting cardiology outpatient department or indoor patients and proforma was used to evaluate drug prescribing pattern.

Results Total 200 patients of acute myocardial infarction were analysed. Incidence of MI was more common in males (76%); age group 51-60 years (28.5%); non-vegetarians (68.5%); smokers (52.5%) and reduced physical activity (70.5%). 59.5% of patients had family history of cardiovascular disease. Commonly prescribed drugs were antiplatelets (100%) followed by hypolipidemic (99.5%), proton pump inhibitors (92%), antianginal (90.5%), anticoagulants (68.5%), thrombolytics (24.5%).

Conclusions This study provides insight towards drug prescribing pattern in MI patients. Most frequently prescribed drugs were antiplatelets followed by hypolipidemic and proton pump inhibitors. Patients had multiple risk factors and these can be reduced by lifestyle modifications.