TO MONITOR THE ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CO-MORBIDITIES

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pharmacological management of CVDs requires long-term administration of multiple medications, increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ADRs contribute significantly to hospital admissions, prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs and poor therapeutic outcomes. Continuous monitoring of ADRs is therefore essential to improve medication safety and optimize patient care. Objective: To assess the pattern, causality, severity, preventability and outcomes of adverse drug reactions associated with cardiovascular medications. Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted using ADR records of adult cardiovascular patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Demographic details, prescribed cardiovascular drugs, ADR characteristics, organ systems affected, and clinical outcomes were collected. ADRs were assessed using the WHO-UMC causality assessment scale, Modified Hartwig and Siegel Severity Scale, and Schumock and Thornton Preventability Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results: The majority of ADRs were associated with antihypertensive agents, antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, and statins. Gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte abnormalities, bleeding events, dizziness, hypotension and myalgia were the most frequently reported ADRs. Most ADRs were classified as probable according to WHO UMC criteria, moderate in severity according to the Hartwig scale, and probably preventable according to the Schumock and Thornton scale. Polypharmacy and advanced age were major contributors to ADR occurrence. Conclusion: Cardiovascular medications are frequently associated with ADRs, particularly among elderly patients receiving multiple drugs. Routine pharmacovigilance, medication review, individualized therapy, and patient education can substantially reduce preventable ADRs and improve treatment outcomes.