Publication:

Prescription pattern in indoor patients of cardiovascular diseases: a descriptive study in a tertiary care hospital attached to a government medical college

Background In India, one of the leading causes of death is cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The study of prescription pattern ensures rational pharmacotherapy and assures quality medical care to the patients. Hence the present study was conducted to observe the prescription pattern of drugs among the indoor patients of cardiovascular diseases in a tertiary care hospital attached to a Government Medical college.

Methods A retrospective observational study of 9 month duration was undertaken from January- September 2015. A total number of 113 indoor cardiovascular disease patients’ case sheets were utilized for our study from medicine and ICCU department of a tertiary care hospital. The data was analysed and the results were expressed as counts and percentage.

Results Of 113 patients, most of the patients were of the age group of 56-65 years (40.71%). The prevalence of CVDs was higher in females (56.64%) than males (43.36%). Hypertension (58.41%) and Ischemic heart disease (41.59%) were found to be predominant CVDs. Nifedipine (53.10%), Atenolol (31.86%), Isosorbide dinitrate (40.71%), Atorvastatin (53.10%) were the most commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs. Aspirin and Clopidogrel combination was prescribed in 46.90% of CVD patients. The average number of drugs per prescription was 6.53.

Conclusions The present study shows that most of drugs were prescribed rationally according to the current treatment guidelines except the under use of ACEIs and ARBs in hypertensive diabetes mellitus patients. Standard treatment guidelines should be circulated among practicing physicians to encourage rational prescription.