OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disorders and medication are highly prevalent in elderly. Due to age-related changes, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to side effects and adverse drug reactions. Some psychotropic drugs are linked with reports of cardiac side effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and nature of concomitant use of cardiovascular drugs among elderly patients taking psychotropic medication.
METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted among elderly patients (n = 1447) admitted to the outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital between September 1 and December 31 2013. Medical records including demographics, diagnosis codes, and prescription drug data were evaluated according to the presence or absence of cardiovascular or psychotropic medication.
RESULTS: Of the patients, 541 (37.3%) received a prescription for psychotropic medication. One in four psychiatric patients received a prescription for concomitant cardiovascular medication (135/541, 24.9%). No significant difference in prescription of cardiovascular or psychotropic drugs relation to concomitant medication was found. Antidepressant medications were the most common psychotropic medication (47.4%) prescribed among concomitant users, followed by antipsychotics (43.7%) and anxiolytics (28.1%). Nearly half of the elderly patients with cardiovascular and psychiatric disease were prescribed diuretics (53.3%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (45.9%).
CONCLUSIONS: There is no specific drug of choice for cardiovascular or psychotropic medication in elderly patients prescribed concomitant medication. Concomitant prescription of cardiovascular drugs and psychotropics is associated with polypharmacy. Close monitoring during treatment and being vigilant for interacting drugs can reduce the risk of adverse reactions on these vulnerable patients.