Cost Analysis of Prescription Medicines for Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Study at ICMR-Rational Use of Medicines Hospitals in Bhagalpur

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, with India experiencing a rising prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. The economic burden of managing these conditions is substantial, particularly in resource-limited settings. Rational use of medicines is crucial for optimizing healthcare costs while maintaining effective treatment outcomes. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the cost of prescribed medications for managing cardiovascular risk factors at the ICMR-Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) hospitals in Bhagalpur, India. It further investigates the impact of urban-rural disparities in medication costs and the most commonly prescribed drug classes for cardiovascular risk management. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with participants diagnosed with cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Data were collected from medical records, patient interviews, and prescription analysis between November 2023 and October 2024 at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Bhagalpur. The cost of medications prescribed was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and statistical tests were performed to examine differences based on geographical location and type of cardiovascular risk factor. Results: The most common risk factor was hypertension (45%), followed by hyperlipidemia (30%) and diabetes (20%). Antihypertensive drugs were the most frequently prescribed (50%), followed by statins (35%) and oral hypoglycemics (15%). The average medication cost per patient was ?4,500, with significant differences between urban (?4,800) and rural (?4,200) participants (p = 0.04). Hypertension treatment incurred the highest costs (?5,200), significantly higher than those for hyperlipidemia (?4,000) and diabetes (?3,000) (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The study highlights the significant financial burden of managing cardiovascular risk factors, especially hypertension, and the disparities in medication costs between urban and rural populations. Recommendations: Efforts should be made to optimize prescribing practices, promote the use of generic medications, and implement policies that improve access to affordable care, especially in rural areas. Additionally, further studies should explore cost-effective treatment strategies and evaluate the long-term economic impact of managing cardiovascular risk factors in India. Keywords: Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Cost Analysis, Hypertension, Medication, Urban-Rural Disparities