Risk factors associated with potential cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events in elderly individuals assisted at secondary level

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications with imminent risk of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Adverse Events (PIM-CCVAE), in addition to the factors associated with a group of elderly individuals undergoing therapeutic care in a Brazilian public service. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at a secondary level service located in Carapicuíba, SP, Brasil. Only elderly individuals (≥60 years) who were treated in one of the outpatient departments were included. The use of PIM-CCVAE was defined based on the PIM-CCVAEs list. In this research, we used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify and track possible predictors of MPI use. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata software version 15.1 (Stata Corporation). RESULTS: The sample included 233 elderly individuals, with a mean age of 74.9 (± 9.4) years. Of these, 74.2% used at least one PIM-CCVAE, with an average daily intake of 1.3 (± 1) PIM/elderly. The presence of comorbidities, diseases of the circulatory system, polypharmacy, and low to moderate scores in morbidity and mortality were important factors associated with an increased odds ratio for the consumption of PIM-CCVAE. It is also emphasized that the presence of neurological symptoms proved to be a protective factor for this outcome. CONCLUSION: Given the clinical severity and imminent risk of CCVAE in the researched group, preventive measures should be instituted to minimize health problems related to medication in the public network.