Assessment of Potential Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with Cardiovascular Medicines

Abstract

Background: Every drug has the potential to cause ADRs. Cardiovascular medications are a major problem in drug therapy as they can result in several consequences, ranging from allergic reactions to permanent harm. We have undertaken a meta-analytic review of various types of studies performed in different hospital settings to understand the importance of ADRs in CVD patients and how ADRs might be better detected, evaluated, and avoided. Objectives: To study various factors and assess the incidence, causality, severity, and preventability of ADRs associated with cardiovascular drugs. Methods: Meta-analytic study conducted over 6 months by reviewing 24 articles finalized from 58 articles collected from various data sources like Clin Med, Pubmed, and Medline. Information related to ADRs was analyzed by using demographic data through various questionnaires and scales in articles. Results: A total of 4421 ADRs were reported among 9759 patients. 8/24 of the studies performed causality assessment by using the Naranjo scale and 12/24 used the WHO-UMC scale. 9/24 studies assessed severity and 5/24 studies performed preventability assessments. The incidence of ADRs was high in the 40-80 age range (94.69%). Commonly prescribed drugs were calcium-channel blockers and beta-blockers in CVD patients. Organ systems like the cardiovascular, central nervous and respiratory systems were commonly affected. Most ADRs were mild and possible. Females experienced more ADRs compared to males. Conclusion: Although this study provides estimates of the incidence, severity, and preventability of ADRs in different settings, further studies are needed for monitoring ADRs in patients using CVD drugs to address how such ADRs will be prevented.