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Cardiometabolic diseases and active aging - polypharmacy in control
Adriana Nancy Medeiros Dos Santos1, Dulcineia Rebecca Cappelletti Nogueira1, Beatriz Aparecida Ozello Gutierrez1
1Universidade de São Paulo. São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem
|March 28, 2020
Summary
Most elderly individuals experience cardiometabolic diseases and polypharmacy, increasing cardiovascular risk. This study highlights the prevalence of hypertension and the association of polypharmacy with common cardiovascular medications in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiometabolic diseases are prevalent in the elderly.
- Polypharmacy is a growing concern in geriatric populations.
- Understanding the interplay between these conditions is crucial for geriatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in elderly individuals.
- To investigate the association between cardiometabolic diseases and polypharmacy.
- To assess drug use patterns in older adults at the University of the Third Age (UnATI).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted.
- 121 elderly patients were included in the analysis.
- Prevalence ratios and statistical tests (Chi-square, Fisher's exact) were used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- 82.6% of elderly participants had at least one cardiometabolic disease, with hypertension being most common (71.1%).
- 92.6% used prescription drugs, and 48.2% used multiple medications, indicating high cardiovascular risk.
- Polypharmacy (28.6%) was significantly associated with antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and lipid-lowering agents.
Conclusions:
- Despite lifestyle recommendations, pharmacotherapy is increasing in elderly patients.
- Increased medication use elevates the risk of adverse events in older adults.
- This study underscores the need for careful medication management in the geriatric population.
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