Čes. slov. farm. 2009, 58(1):28-34

Pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular diseases in the population of the Czech Republic

L. Práznovcová

Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Farmaceutická fakulta Hradec Králové, Katedra sociální a klinické farmacie

On the basis of frequency analysis under ATC classification, 48.5% of included pharmaceuticals were found to belong to group C, i.e., agents with an impact on the cardiovascular system. The largest number of pharmaceuticals was prescribed to persons of the age group of 61 years of age and over. It confirms the statistic data saying that cardiovascular diseases increase with age. Only 8.7% of patients to whom group C pharmaceuticals were prescribed used monotherapy. The most widely employed pharmaceuticals were beta-blockers, which are used in the therapy of hypertension, ICD, arrhythmia, coronary insufficiency, and cardiomyopathia. They have a positive impact on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. 91.3% of patients used combination therapy. The largest number of prescribed pharmaceuticals was a combination of 3 active substances of this group. Combination therapy makes it possible to decrease the doses of each active substance in contrast to monotherapy, where the maximal doses are used, thus increasing the risk of side effects. Pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular disease should be in relation to a concrete patient and his or her other diseases.

Keywords: pharmacotherapy; cardiovascular diseases; monotherapy; combination therapy

Received: January 6, 2009; Accepted: January 20, 2009; Published: January 1, 2009  Show citation