Evaluation of Drugs Used to Prevent Stroke in Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide and increase the risk of stroke. Stroke may cause long-term disability and death. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation are important stroke risk factors. Poor control of these conditions may increase stroke occurrence and recurrence. Early identification and appropriate management of cardiovascular risk factors are essential for stroke prevention. Antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, statins and antihypertensive drugs help reduce cardiovascular risk. Evaluating their utilization patterns helps identify prescribing trends and areas for improvement in preventive care. Objectives: To assess the pattern of utilization of drugs used for cardiovascular risk reduction and stroke prevention among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A prospective observational study was designed among 200 adult patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. Demographic details, cardiovascular risk factors, diagnoses and prescribed medications were recorded using a structured data collection form. The utilization of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, statins and antihypertensive drugs was evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, antihypertensive drugs were prescribed to 68% of patients, statins to 9%, antiplatelet agents to 23.5% and anticoagulants to 0%. Aspirin and atorvastatin were among the most frequently prescribed individual drugs. Polypharmacy (five or more medicines) was observed in some of the patients. Conclusion: Preventive cardiovascular pharmacotherapy involved multiple drug classes selected according to individual clinical indications. Medication review, adherence counselling and identification of drug-related problems by clinical pharmacists may support safer and more effective risk-factor management.